Let's Talk Trash, edited by Laura Dickerson May 9, 2002, Column from the Lexington Minuteman

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 some cardboard boxes that are very cumbersome. Can I put them into the trash, or is there a special pickup for cardboard?
A: Corrugated cardboard is very recyclable and should never be put into the trash unless it has .been soiled (for example, if you use it instead of a drop cloth and spill paint or oil on it). Even a very large box can be fairly easily cut down to the specified 30 inches per side maximum, which is required so that the pieces fit into the hoppers on the recycling truck. A good utility knife or a box cutter will help. These can be purchased cheaply at a hardware store. If you want to just flatten the boxes but not cut them down,

there is a corrugated drop-off dumpster at the yard waste site on Hartwell Avenue. Their hours are: Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Q: It seems to be getting harder to donate an old working computer to worthwhile organizations. Do you have information?
A: You're right. The most disappointing thing is that Goodwill no longer takes them, as they received so many that they couldn't use them all. A couple of other charities seem to have disappeared entirely, but if your computer is fairly up-to-date, you can try the Mindshare Collaborative in Jamaica Plain at 617-787-7870 or Tecschange in Cambridge at 617-783-1668.

Q: I read your column because I believe in recycling, and I am concerned that recycling will decrease again if PAYT is not reinstituted. Is there anything I Can do to voice my opinion and try to bring PAYT back to Lexington?
A: Call your town meeting members. If you don't know who they are, you can find their names at http://ci.lexington.ma.us/Town-Clerk/Electofficials.htm. Encourage people you know to keep recycling, whatever happens with PAYT.

Remember

If you're replacing a window unit air conditioner, think about what to do with the old one. If it is still working, you could donate it to the Salvation Army. Call 1-80058-7825 for possible pick up. If it is broken, it must be treated as a "white good" for curbside pickup by Waste Management. Call them at 781-933-2113.

Got a question or a suggestion? You can reach us by calling the League of 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/Ho mePage.htm, the PAYT home page at http://Ci.lexington.ma.us (click on the PAYT quicklink) or call the PAYT number: 781-274-7298.