Let's Talk Trash column, edited by Laura Dickerson
August 30, 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 do I do with extra wire coat hangers?
A: If you got them from a dry cleaner, try returning them to the same business. If they accept them, you will be promoting reuse and can help your dry cleaner reduce costs.
Q Can local businesses recycle their office paper in Lexington? A: Businesses do not have their trash or recycling collected by the town. Businesses that are interested in recycling can. find a recycling vendor through the yellow pages or seek assistance from WasteCap, a statewide non-profit organization that supports business recycling efforts. Call 617-236-7715 or see their Web site at
http://www.wastecap.org/.Can I recycle metal lids? What kinds of aluminum can be recycled?
A: If the lids are entirely metal (like the ones you pry off of juice concentrate), they can go
into the recycling -bin. It they have the rubber or plastic liner inside, put them into the trash. Aluminum pans or pie plates can go into the bin if they are cleaned first.
Q: How much trash can I put into a barrel with a six-month label?
A: The weight cannot exceed 50 pounds and, in terms of size, the trash must not exceed the rim of the barrel.
Q: Is it still possible to get the extra recycle bin at no charge as part of PAYT if we didn't pick it up earlier in the summer?
A: Yes, bins are available at the DPW Facility, 201 Bedford St., weekdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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.