Characterization of a mortar made with cement and slag vitrified from a MSWI ash-mix and CMP sludge

► MSWI fly- and scrubber-ash and CMP sludge can be transformed into useful materials. ► MSWI ash-mix and CMP sludge were melted to form a non-toxic slag. ► The strength of the slag-blended cement mortar (SBCM) is superior to OPCM specimens. ► The test results overcame the weaker early strength of SBCM in current studies. ► SBCM exhibits the greater strength by nano-particle effect and Pozzolanic reaction.