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 have been cutting back on how much trash I put out, but the Halloween pumpkin will take up a lot of space. Is there any way to avoid adding it to the trash?

A: Remove any candle stubs and put it in your compost. If you don't have a bin or leaf pile, but have space, you can leave it outside to decompose - it will disappear completely before next Halloween.

Q. I have a large trash can full of wood ash from my fireplace. It's very heavy - should I try to put it into a garbage bag and put a tag on it? The bag might break.

A: If it is entirely ash from untreated logs, you could regard it as yard waste, and set it out in an uncovered barrel or take it to the composting facility on Hartwell Avenue. If for some reason you've burned pressure treated wood or other items that would add contaminants, it must be treated as trash. You could put the trash can out as is with two tags, or try a very sturdy bag.

Q. I have questions about a variety of plastic items. Can I recycle film cans? The plastic bottles of cleaning products? Frozen food trays? The plastic cake covers from a bakery? All are marked with the recycling symbol and number.

A: The little film canisters can go into the bin (not the lids) or you could take them to Theatre Camera, which has a recycling box for them.

The plastic bottles (for products such as detergent or window cleaner) should be fine as long as they are rinsed and you have removed caps, spray nozzles, etc. Try to use concentrate or refill this kind of item from bulk sources, so that you don't have to buy so many anyway.

Motor oil bottles and pesticide containers should not go in with the recycling. The plastic food trays and cake containers are OK, if you have cleaned them.

Q: Can I put my dog's waste into the trash?

A: Yes, putting it into the trash is fine. Definitely do not put dog or cat waste into your compost.

Q: Does a paperboard egg carton go in the bag with the paper or loose in the bin with containers?

A: With the paper.

REMINDER: The trash, recycling, and yard waste need to be out at the curb by 7 a.m. at the latest to ensure pickup. For most people it's easiest to put it out the night before your collection day. Keep the different categories clearly separated. Ideally, there should be 6-8 feet of space each between your trash, your recycling and your yard waste.