Let's Talk Trash, edited 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'd like to recycle the ink jet cartridges I use in my printer. What do I do?
A: First check the box in which the cartridge came - some manufacturers provide ways to send them back at no charge. If your particular brand does not do this, there are other options, most based on the business that has sprung up of
refilling or remanufacturing the cartridges and selling them again. The local Staples has a supply of pre-printed mailing envelopes into which you can insert your used cartridge (preferably in the box) and mail it to the Ink Jet Recycling Center in California. Look for a dispenser in the aisle next to the cases with the new cartridges. Alternatively, if you have access to the internet, Mr. Ink Jet at http://mr-ink-jet-usa.com/ink-refill-mail-in.htm has a printable business reply label that you can affix to your own envelope. If you'd rather deal by telephone, try Laser-Tone International at (800) 327-8458. Their service is based on resale - the cost of the new cartridges includes shipping both ways, but if you pay the postage they will take used ones even if you don't buy their products. Environmental Laser at (800) 442-8391 or
http://www.toners.com specializes in toner cartridges for laser printers but they also do ink jet cartridges.This question from February is being repeated, because there is some new information to add.
Q: I did some home repairs myself, and now I have a lot of scrap lumber, some old fiberglass insulation that I had to remove, and some leftover paint. What should I do with it all?
A: For the portion of the question about donating building materials to be re-used, the answer at that time was that Habitat for Humanity will take unused building materials (wood, paint, etc.). Their number is (617) 524-8891. They don't take used items, though. There is an organization in Roxbury called Building Materials Resource Center that will collect not only unused but some used materials that they can clean or recondition into usable shape. They pick up once or twice a week in Lexington. The goods are then sold to low-income folks who are doing home renovations, or to non-profit organizations, and they also have a working relationship with Habitat. Their number is (617) 442-8917.
This time of year, many people are buying new clothes. If you want to get rid of old or outgrown clothes, there are lots of options. The Goodwill truck behind the Walgreens will take them. The clothing exchange at First Parish Church also takes clothes, cleans then, and sells them at a low cost. Behind Saint Brigid's Church there is a collection box for the Saint Vincent de Paul Society, which also takes clothes for charity. Several organizations have trucks that pick up clothing and household goods. In all these cases, the donations are tax deductible.
There is an interesting service provided by the Massachusetts Recycling Hotline.
By dialing (617) RECYCLE or (800) 800-6881, callers can enter a zip code and get a 2 minute message with details about recycling in the area represented by that zip code. The information is accurate but a bit abbreviated, and due to the time constraints, the person on the recording talks very fast. If you have misplaced the Lexington rules or are curious about some other town, check it out!
Got a question or a suggestion? You can reach us by calling the League of Women Voters line at 861-0123 or by email at lexrecycles@hotmail.com.
For more information, check out the SWAT web page at
http://www.lexingtonma.org/swat/HomePage.htm