The authors developed a fossil fuel energy waste general sampling guideline to provide users a manual for the collection of feedstock and solid wastes from coal-fired utility boilers and emerging energy facilities according to best available scientific procedures. We believe this manual will serve as a guide to sample collection personnel in preparing a descriptive site-specific test plan. The preparation and evaluation of the general guideline was sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, Laramie Technology Center. Included in the manual are detailed procedures for (1) selecting representative sampling locations, (2) collecting solid wastes, slurry waste, and sludges, and (3) processing samples.