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stumbling self sufficiency in a small space
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2:01 pm
Expert
New members
Sun 25-Jul-10
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What can I do with it? I burn a mixture of logs and smokeless fuel (Firebrite or Taybrite). I've been filling the potholes in the lane with it, or putting it in the brown rubbish bin.
My researching on the web says it's no good for composting because of trace elements
I'm wondering if I could mix it with cement instead of sand to make breeze block sized bricks or paving slabs. Seems a shame to waste it.
"NEVER RIDE FASTER THAN YOUR GUARDIAN ANGEL CAN FLY"
Your future self is watching you right now through memories
3:22 pm
Supreme Being
New members
Sun 2-Oct-11
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not sure but maybe make up a small batch and see. I only burn wood so it goes on the garden or in the compost bin
Trying to enjoy life as it is
4:44 pm
Councillor
Tue 22-Sep-09
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Good question Bob! I did a little snooping, and found a couple of ideas that I didn't know either.
http://www.ehow.com/facts_4914975_uses-fireplace-ashes.html
http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/article/0,,1581470,00.html
A de-icer? Who would have guessed?
If you can't be a shining example, be a terrible warning!
4:53 pm
Supreme Being
New members
Sun 2-Oct-11
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I am going to try putting it in the duck pond which is very green...thanks to the ducks there are now no plants!
Trying to enjoy life as it is
6:46 pm
Expert
New members
Sun 25-Jul-10
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I've been using it in winter on an icy path for year, trouble is, when the ice melts away, you still have the ash to dispose of.
I did put hot ashes into a deep puddle last year, the birds had their very own hot tub 
"NEVER RIDE FASTER THAN YOUR GUARDIAN ANGEL CAN FLY"
Your future self is watching you right now through memories
8:15 pm
Supreme Being
Mon 21-Sep-09
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I used to use it to grit the paths in winter too. Just a quick look would seem to suggest that using it in concrete is a good option
12:01 am
Supreme Being
New members
Tue 22-Sep-09
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I've researched this for years trying to find a good way of using up, I use the wood stove ashes on the compost, but the coal ash is full of all sorts of nasties. I'm sure when I researched using it in concrete, there was some sort of chemical problem, but it was ages ago and can't remember.
We use it to grit the paths over winter, but then yes, it has to be swept up afterwards.
9:52 pm
Expert
New members
Sun 25-Jul-10
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It seems the choice is to either bag and bin it....or ......being the devil that I am.......putting it in the potholes again on the unmade road. Oh what delight when the moron from up the lane speeds through an ash filled puddle in her just washed car!
Hopefully when she realises, she'' slew up abit bah as we say
"NEVER RIDE FASTER THAN YOUR GUARDIAN ANGEL CAN FLY"
Your future self is watching you right now through memories
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