We burn both wood nad coal on it and I use firelighters to light not sure if that is important. It is also a good idea to add some layers of scrunched up paper or cardboard to allow air in to the compost heap. 70 Uses For Wood Ash Ash Wood Survival Survival Prepping Coal ash may also be recycled into products like concrete or wallboard. What to do with coal ash from fire . Mix layers of wood ash into your compost. These ashes must be removed periodically as they can affect both performance and durability of the product. Coal ashes are not good for the soil and should be thrown away in your bin -. It can go directly around fruit trees or be stored in an air-tight tin until needed for the tomatoes. Ashes are not very heavy. Some power plants may dispose of it in surface impoundments or in landfills. Ash from coal or anthracite should be put in your general waste bin since it has little or no nutritional benefit and is potentially harmful to soil plants and consumers...