Let's Talk Trash, edited by Laura Dickerson

September 19, 2000 Column from the Lexington Minuteman

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

Q: What am I supposed to do with non-functional TVs and computer monitors?

A: This has been the most asked question lately. The town is still working on setting up a drop-off site. One of the causes of the delay is that negotiations have taken place with three different parts recyclers, trying to get the best and most convenient deal. This has taken much longer than the DPW anticipated, and they hope that plans will be completed within the next few weeks. Please keep holding on to the monitors. There will be a lot of publicity when the site is

ready to operate. Remember that if your TV or computer actually is in working order, it can be donated to Goodwill.

Q: I never received the calendar with the recycling weeks marked. How can I get a copy?

A: As of last week, they were being printed, so one should be in your mailbox soon. In general, there are extra copies available in the town office building, but the new ones aren't there yet either.

Q: When can we start putting out yard waste with the trash?

A: Curbside yard waste collection begins the week of October 2nd, and goes through December 8th. Leaves, weeds, and small brush up to 1" in diameter can be included. You can use any brown kraft bags sold specifically for yard waste, or you can put the leaves out in an open trash barrel. Be sure in either case that there is ample space between your trash and yard waste. This is true of trash vs. recycling as well - try not to have them too close together, so that it is clear to the workers on the truck which is which. Don't use plastic bags for the yard waste.

Q: In the Val-Pak coupon envelope I recently received, there was a notice from the Town of Burlington about turning in items containing mercury, like fluorescent bulbs and many other items. It also listed a couple of pharmacies that would take old mercury thermometers. Can I take my stuff to Burlington even though I live in Lexington?

A: The person at the Board of Health in Burlington said that the collection services listed on your coupon are for Burlington residents only. Lexington residents need to drop off fluorescents, thermometers and thermostats, and other items containing mercury at the hazardous waste collection site on Hartwell Avenue.

REMINDER: the next hazardous waste collection day is September30th. Hours are 9:00 AM until 2:00 PM.