In the recent past, geotechnical applications of CCR is the major focus area in the construction industries. However, the economics of a project and environmental safety are some of the key issues, that still need to be addressed. This research work focusses on the comprehensive assessment of the economic and ecological sustainability of bulk utilization of CCR in geotechnical applications. Physical, mechanical, and physicochemical properties of different types of CCR were determined and compared with locally available natural soil. The results reveal that all CCR samples were non-plastic, exhibited low sensitivity to moisture content, negligible crushing during compaction, and displayed significant shear strength (φ ≥ 30°). All CCR demonstrated an alkaline pH that satisfied the requirements of a fill material. The environmental risk associated with the application of CCR was assessed through leachability tests as per EN 124057–4 (2002). The results revealed that CCR is safe for disposal in inert landfills as per European Council Decision 2003/33/EC guidelines, due to low risk to the environment. The cost estimation suggests that CCR is comparably very economical if available within 5 km of a construction site. The findings of the study clearly revealed that the application of CCR is cost-effective as well as environmentally safe and a sustainable alternative to the natural soil. © 2020 Elsevier Ltd