Let's Talk Trash column, edited by Laura Dickerson
December 20, 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. I have a 5-by-8 rug I need to throw away. What should I do?
A: If it is beyond being reusable, it can be put out as bulky trash without a tag. The maximum width allowable is 3 feet, so you'll need to cut it in two and roll and tie the two pieces separately.

Q. What do we do with the little Styrofoam peanuts used for packing?
A: You can take them to Mailboxes, etc., on Waltham street. They will re-use them in the packages they send out.

Q: I've forgotten what to do with old batteries.
A: Alkaline batteries manufactured since the mid 1990s can be put in the trash, as they are no longer made with mercury. Lithium, NiCad, and other kinds of batteries are still considered hazardous and should either be saved up for the next Household Hazardous Waste day in the spring or dropped off at Theatre Camera.

This time of year many companies send out lots of catalogues and charitable organizations send solicitations. You should add these items to your paper recycling when you're done with them, but maybe you'd like to cut back on the amount you get. Try calling the 800 numbers in the catalogues and ask to be removed from their lists. This may take a couple of calls. To get your name removed from some mass marketing lists, contact the Direct Marketing Association Mail Preference Service, PO. Box 9008, Farmingdale, N.Y, 11735, or see http://www.the-dma.org/cgi/offmailinglistdave.

You have to make sure that all variations of spelling and punctuation are covered in your request, or some mail will not be filtered through the "do not mail" file.

The new trash barrel labels (effective January to June 2002) are now available in local stores.

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.