This biweekly column tries to answer some of the most commonly asked questions about recycling, composting and the town's solid waste program.

In addition to the contact info at the bottom of every column, there is a statewide organization named E-call that provides recycling information via the Massachusetts Recycling Hotline 800-239-2071. They report that the three most common questions from Lexington are:

Q: What do I do with CRTs?

A: Take them to periodic collections. The next CRT recycling day is April 3. The town hires ElectroniCycle to come with a trailer truck to haul away our goods. The drop-off time is 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the DPW buildings at 201 Bedford St.

Massachusetts law requires that CRTs (TVs, computer monitors) be recycled rather than put into the trash because of the lead content in the screen. The same facility also dismantles many other electronic devices and recycles the parts or sells them for reuse, so it makes sense both ecologically and financially for the town to add other electronics to the collection day. Not just the screens but all computer parts from mice to CPUs can be brought, as well as printers, fax machines, and so forth. Stereo equipment is fine.

Batteries are another source of confusion. The CRT/electronics drop-off is not the time to bring them. Regular alkaline batteries made in the last 10 years can be thrown out with the regular trash. There are collections boxes for button batteries around town, such as in the library near the reference desk and at the town office building. Theatre Camera will take nonalkaline batteries, and so will the Household Hazardous waste site. The first Household Hazardous Waste collection day is scheduled for April 24.

Q. How can I get an additional recycling bin?

A: Go to the DPW building at 201 Bedford St. during their business hours, M-F 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Each household is entitled to two initial bins at no charge. Additional bins cost $6 each. Also, stores like Staples sometimes sell bins, including the small ones that many people use in offices. It's fine to put these out with your recycling at the curb.

Q: What do I do about a missed pick-up?

A: Call Waste Management at 800-649-2945. You're supposed to have the trash and recycling out by 7 a.m. on your collection days, though. Don !t call if you've neglected to get it to the curb on time.