Q: Can I compost my pet waste?

A. Dog or cat waste, no. According to Ann McGovern, the compost expert at the Massachusetts Department of Environmental protection. Waste from hamsters, rabbits, gerbils, chickens, goats, horses, cows, etc. is OK to compost. The general rule of thumb is manure from herbivorous animals may be composted, but not manure from carnivores (and omnivores), because that type of manure is generally higher in pathogens and parasites transmittable to humans.

If you're walking a dog, remember that Lexington has a pooper scooper law, like many places. After you pick it up, put it into the trash. Also make sure that none goes near or in a storm drain, as they flow directly into streams.

Q: I'm interested in disposing of a couch and a queen-sized mattress. Can you tell how I can go about arranging for pick-up?

A: Large furniture of this type is considered a "bulky item" and you are allowed to put out one each week with your regular trash. No special pickup is required. If you are disposing of an appliance, you must call Waste Management at 800-649-2945 to schedule a time.

Q: What kind of wrapping paper can I recycle?

A: Anything that is paper, including tissue paper. The foil and plastic types should be thrown away. Better still would be to avoid using wrap at all - buy an assortment of gift bags and use them year after year.

A reminder from the DPW. Christmas trees will be picked up curbside the week of Jan. 10-14, 2005 only.

Christmas trees may also be brought to the DPW Operations Facility at 201 Bedford St., from Dec. 27, to Jan. 31, 2005. All foreign objects, like plastic bags, tinsel, lights, ornaments, etc., must be removed from the tree.