Let's Talk Trash column, edited by Laura Dickerson
August 16, 2001

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

The PAYT phone line has been receiving many calls, and for the next couple of columns those "frequently asked questions" will be answered.

Q: I want to throw away a rug. What do I do with it?

A: Cut it into 4-foot sections, roll it up and tie or tape it securely. It counts as a bulky item, for which there is no tag needed. If the foam pad underneath is crumbling, put the bits into your regular bag or barrel. Discarded furniture items can also be put out in the same way, although if the furniture can still be used it would be better to donate it to a charity.

Q. What do I do with yard waste when there is no pickup?

A: The next collection time is the last week of August. After that, it will be October. You can take your bags of yard waste to the composting facility on Hartwell Avenue weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sundays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. You could start Composting at home. Compost bins are available from the town for $21. Call 781-861-2757 for details. Home composting is a good option for many people. It doesn't require a lot of work or expertise, and the composters sold by the town come with clear information about how to get started.

Q: It would be most convenient for me to put out my office paper loose in a recycle bin. Is this allowed?

A: Yes, paper can be put loose into a bin as long as there are only paper products (newspapers, magazines, cereal boxes, paper towel rolls, etc.) in that bin. Now that many people have two or more bins, a way to organize your recycling might be to have one bin of paper and one of plastic, glass and metal containers.

There is some cause for worry in terms of the weight of a bin full of paper, both for you and for the recycling truck worker, because of the height to which the bin must be lifted to be dumped. Also, some people are concerned that loose paper will blow around while awaiting pickup. One way to solve both of these problems would be to have some loose paper in the bin, with a brown paper bag of newspapers (or whatever) on top, providing a weight to hold down the loose paper and making it possible to carry the paper parts separately. If your office paper includes shredded pieces, put those in the bottom of the bag with newspapers so they will be weighed down and not fly out of the bin.

Q: I was out of town the last time my street's recycling was collected. Is there a site to which I can take it for drop-off?

A: No, unfortunately.

Q. Do the PAYT tags expire?

A: No, but the barrel labels are dated to be used during a specific six month period.

REMINDER: This Saturday, Aug. 18, there is a household hazardous waste collection at the site on Hartwell Avenue from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Items such as partially used paint cans, fluorescent bulbs or other goods containing mercury, and pesticides can be dropped off. For a full list of allowable items see: http://patriot.ci.lexington.ma.us/OCD/Health/HazWaste.htm or call the DPW at 781-862-2757 or the Health Department at 781-8620500 extension 200.

Got a question or a suggestion? You can reach us by calling the League o f Women Voters line at 781861-0123 or by e-mail at lexrecycles@hotmail.com. For more information, check out the SWAT Web page at http://www.lexingtonma.org/swat/HomePage.htm, the PAYT home page at http://Ci.lexington.ma.us (click on the PAYT quicklink) or call the PAYT number: 781-274-7298.