By using a modern ash landfill 'Cirikovac' as an example, which is formed within abandoned open pit mine, we examined how the risk is perceived by a group of experts on one side, and a group of non expert on the other. The non-expert group was selected by inviting inhabitants of Klenovnik, Cirikovac, Bradarac and Kostolac, all being communities in a close proximity to the landfill. On the other hand, the expert group was formed by gathering engineers from mining, geology, construction, mechanical, electrical, technological and agricultural field, which are deeply familiar with issues of ash landfills and environment protection. Unlike the non-expert group, the expert group had been interviewed. Obtained results represent a common belief of both respondent groups. That is to say, the risk of the environment pollution does exist. However, the risk level perceived by the non-expert group is substantially higher. The expert group has recognized the value in selecting location, which is based on credible documents. They tend to believe the thermal power plant's management will monitor and inform the public of the current environmental condition, regardless of how good or bad the results might be. Conversely, the non-expert group expresses reserves of the matter, especially when it comes to truthfulness of the reports. A comparative analysis of responses to specific technical issues, between the experts of the Kostolac region on one hand, and the experts from outside of the Kostolac region on the other, has shown no significant difference between experts' responses.