Georgia landfills taking tons of coal ash from out of state

Video by Brittany Johnson/UGA. Special trucks operated by Waste Management truck coal ash from North Carolina to the landfill in Banks County, Georgia.

Apart from Florida, which doesn't keep comparable data, Georgia landfills are accepting more out-of-state solid waste than any of its neighbors, and most of that is coal ash.

A private landfill in Banks County has received at least 6.7 million tons of coal ash, primarily from North Carolina.

The influx has raised questions about the safe handling of coal ash, a by-product of coal-fired electricity that is known to be harmful to plants, animals and humans.