June 7, 2001

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 should I do with my office paper? Should I put it in a plastic bag separated from the newspaper?

A: Never put a plastic bag into the recycle bin, please. All paper products (newspaper, magazines, catalogues, office paper, cereal and cracker boxes, etc.) go into the brown grocery bags in or near your bin. If you are worried about paper scraps flying around (especially if you use a shredder), put them on the bottom of the bag and put the newspapers on top, to weigh them down.

Q: The new digital thermometer we got at Discovery Day doesn't work. Can we exchange it?

A: Call the Board of Health at (781) 862-0500 ext. 237 to make arrangements for getting a better one. You might be interested to know that 700 mercury thermometers were turned in!

Q: I'm trying to save electricity and thought about using more fluorescent lights, but don't they have mercury?

A: They do, although the manufacturers have been working to reduce the amount. This is why they should not be thrown into the trash, but rather need to be dropped off at a hazardous waste collection. The next date is June 16th. Burning coal releases mercury into the air, so every coal-fired power plant is a source as well. New England doesn't depend as heavily on coal generating plants as some places, but it is still worth it in terms of pollution avoided to save electricity when possible. Fluorescent lights should help.

Q: When and where can we get the free additional recycle bin that's been mentioned as part of the PAYT program?

A: The extra bins are on order and will be available at the end of June. Information on when and where they can be picked up will be included in a townwide mailing about PAYT near the end of June.

Q: What can I tell my neighbor who has 8 bags of yard waste still sitting at the curb? I know the Spring curbside collection is over.

A: Residents may bring yard waste to the composting facility on Hartwell Avenue. It is open 7:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. weekdays and all day on Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. If they bring it in plastic bags or barrels, the resident should empty them and take the container home.

Got a question or a suggestion? You can reach us by calling the League of Women Voters line at (781) 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 or call the PAYT number: (781) 274-7298.