Q: Can I put burned out light bulbs in the recycle bin? They're made of glass.

A: The only glass that belongs in the bin is cleaned glass containers - not light bulbs, old windows, drinking glasses or other items. Regular incandescent or halogen bulbs should go into the trash. Fluorescent bulbs contain mercury and should be brought to the Household Hazardous Waste collections on Hartwell Ave. The next one is scheduled for April 26 from 9 AM until 2 PM.

Q: What happened with the trash pickup on Tuesday the 18th? Why didn't

anyone let us know?

A: Waste Management, the company that collects our trash and recycling, decided that it was unsafe to send out their trucks that day. It was announced on local cable access TV, on the town's web site, and an explanation appeared later that week in the Minuteman. The DPW received more than 200 calls for information, and the majority of residents were supportive once it was explained. The town is working to standardize a severe storm policy for the future.

It is getting close to spring cleaning time. When you're tidying, remember to give clothes, shoes, books, small appliances and so forth to Goodwill or the many charities that will pick up goods from your home. Which items are accepted depends upon the charity and the quality of the item. People should call the Salvation Army at (781) 231-0803, Viet Nam Veterans of America at (800) 775-8387, Big Brothers & Big Sisters Foundation at (800) 483-5503, the Epilepsy Foundation at (617) 436-6283, or other organizations to schedule a pick up.

To keep your office or desk areas tidy it might help to have slim recycling containers nearby. They can be bought cheaply at office supply places like Staples.

Note the time above for the hazardous waste collection. In addition, by coincidence, this spring the CRT/electronics collection is the same day,at the DPW barn on 201 Bedford Street, from 8 AM until 1 PM. Clean out all that stuff on one day!

When you're cleaning, try to use reusable items like mops, dust rags (made from old socks?), and so forth rather than the new single use products for those purposes.

The following information is from the Berkeley, CA public works web site.

• " Read labels before buying household cleaners and other products. Become an environmentally friendly consumer by avoiding products that contain toxic ingredients, being particularly careful with the following types of products: degreasers, drain cleaners, moth balls, oven cleaners, spot removers/cleaning fluids, paint thinners and strippers. Even products labeled as "bio-degradable" can pose a threat to fish and wildlife.
• Buy only as much of a household chemical as you need. Use carefully to minimize wastes and spills. Store leftovers in sturdy, air-tight, labeled containers and use them up or give to friends rather than throwing potentially toxic chemicals away.
• Use safe substitutes. Most household cleaning challenges can be met with baking soda, salt, borax, vinegar, water and elbow grease -- in one combination or another.
• Dispose of household products and hazardous materials properly. Due to the huge variety of household products, there is no one disposal method that is appropriate for all. Some materials, such as unwanted or unused chemicals or paints should be taken to a hazardous waste disposal facility. However, other household products may simply be thrown away.
• Do not pour toxic paints, cleaners, or solvents down the sink or toilet, and never down the storm drain. "

Got a question or a suggestion? You can reach us by calling the League of Women Voters line at (781) 861-0123 or by email at lexrecycles@hotmail.com. For more information, check out the SWAT web page at http://www.lexingtonma.org/swat/HomePage.htm, the town's web site http://ci.lexington.ma.us (click on the Solid Waste quicklink) or call: (781) 274-7298.