Let's Talk Trash column from the Lexington Minuteman
Q: My daughter has been using a shaving cream from a can that says it contains no CFCs. Can I put this in the regular recycle bin or is it considered a hazardous waste? It does say do not puncture or incinerate, so I assume it cannot be disposed of as regular trash.
A: It should go into the regular trash. You can't empty and clean it, so it can't go into the recycle bin. The warning about incineration presumably means not to do it at home - if you put it into the trash it will be surrounded by hundreds of pounds of other trash when it is incinerated in North Andover.
Q: We have a hamster and I'd like to know if I can compost the bedding used in the cage. The bedding contains cotton fluff and pine shavings.
A: This is from Ann McGovern, the DEP compost expert. "Hamster waste is ok to compost (along w/rabbit, gerbil, mice, chicken, goat, horse, cow, etc.). The general rule of thumb is manure from herbivorous animals is okay and manure from carnivores (and omnivores) is not, bc that type of manure is generally higher in pathogens and parasites transmittable to humans. And remember to wash hands after working w/compost (and soil in general)."
Q: How do I get rid of an air conditioner?
Q: I have a microwave I'd like to throw out. Can I put it in the trash?
A: If these items work, try to donate them to Goodwill or another charity. If not, they can't just be put into the trash. They are considered "white goods," which is the general category for large appliances, picked up by a separate truck. You need to make an appointment with Waste Management (the company that handles our solid waste). Call 1-800 649-2945 To deal with the automated menu push 3 for residential account then 2 for existing account then 3 for the service dept to schedule a pickup date. They'll tell you which day to put it out - it's still curbside pickup. There's no extra charge.
Q: You mentioned in a past column that vinegar and baking soda can be used to clear out drains. Can you tell me again what proportions to use?
A: It's 1/2 cup baking soda to 1 cup vinegar, let it sit, and then pour boiling water down the drain to follow up. You may not need to measure it out, just put in enough of each to make lots of foaming action.
In the future, if you want to use old columns for reference, they are archived at http://www.lexingtonma.org/swat/Lexington.htm. If you know which column it was, they are in chronological order (newest at the top) in the LTT link (2nd one down). If you want to search by the words involved click on the search link.