This review considers the search and study of scientific and technical literature and patent information, primarily on the use of biological methods for extracting valuable metals from ash and slag waste of various origins. The physical and chemical properties of residues formed at municipal solid waste incinerators and thermal power plants(TPP) operating on coal and shale are considered. Attention is paid to the features and problems that occur during bioleaching of non-ferrous and rare metals (aluminum, vanadium, germanium, gallium), as well as rare-earth elements from ash and slag waste.