Plant uptake of selenium (Se) on western United States mine lands is a concern in reclamation efforts due to the potential growth of vegetation that may be considered toxic to wildlife and domestic animals if consumed over time. A study was designed to determine if sewage sludge from Rock Springs and Kemmerer/Evanston, Wyoming, at rates of 25, 50, and 100 Mg/ha, would enhance or decrease Se uptake by yellow sweet clover (Melilotus officinalis)and thick spike wheatgrass(Agropyron dasystachyum)grown on mine backfill material (i.e., overburden material that has been displaced). Results indicated that increased sludge amendments significantly decreased plant Se levels. Changes in backfill chemical and physical characteristics were believed to have caused a reduction in Se bioavailability (as determined by AB‐DTPA extraction), even though total Se concentrations of the sludge‐amended backfill treatments were greater with increasing sewage sludge additions. Land application of sewage sludge is therefore recommended as a viable method for mine land reclamation efforts.