By Laura Dickerson

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

Q: I thought you might like to know about an email group called Freecycle. The Boston MetroWest branch has been very active. It's another form of reducing trash and recycling. There are over 900 members who give things away for free rather than discard them.

There is no charge for the service. People without computer access can still donate unwanted items to Goodwill or other charities. Many will come to your door, such as the Salvation Army at 781-231-0803, Vietnam Veterans of America at 800-775-8387, Big Brothers & Big Sisters Foundation at 800-483-5503, the Epilepsy Foundation at 617-436-6283.

The DPW reminds everyone that containers or paper packaging that have been soiled by food cannot be put into the recycle bin.

It is true that cardboard boxes such as cereal or cracker boxes should be flattened and put in the bin with your recyclable paper, but the plastic liner inside must be removed first. Pizza boxes are presumed to be oily by the sorters at the recycling facility and are discarded automatically. Cake boxes with frosting or butter stains must be trashed.

Microwave popcorn comes in a paper bag, but the oil and other ingredients soil it, so the bags are trash as well. Jars and plastic food containers should be cleaned before recycling. Also remember: no plastic bags in any recycle bin.

If you have home fireworks that you'd like to get rid of safely, deliver them to Fire Chief Bill Middlemiss at the main fire station during normal business hours. They should be transported in the trunk of your car.