Thursday, September 4, 2003 • LEXINGTON MINUTEMAN

Lexington Solid Waste Action Team

This biweekly column tries to answer some of the most commonly asked questions about recycling, composting and the town's solid waste program.

Q: Can I dispose of my old window box air conditioner at the special CRT and electronics collection on Nov. 1?

A: No. The CRT/electronics collection on Nov. 1 is mostly for computer parts, televisions, printers, stereos, and similar devices. The town contracts with Waste Management (the company that collects our trash and recycling), to do curbside pickup of appliances. It's a separate truck, and you must call ahead to arrange the pickup. Their number is 800-649-2945. The usual day for this truck is Wednesday, but they'll tell you when to put it out. In the case of air conditioners, refrigerators, and dehumidifiers in particular, it is very important that they be disposed of properly, to make sure that no freon or other refrigerant leaks into the air. Freon is a brand name for the chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) gas used in old refrigerators and air conditioners. When released into the air, it damages the planet's ozone layer. Waste Management is required to certify that it has properly removed and recycled the freon. Newer appliances use less damaging refrigerants such as HCFC's, but these are still bad for the atmosphere, and it is illegal to vent them into the air as well.

Microwave ovens, full size stoves, hot water heaters, washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers are other items for which a call is needed to arrange for pickup.

Lexington residents should have received the fall course schedule from Lexington Community Education. A one-session class relevant to this column is "Turn garbage into gold: easy composting," which takes place on Oct. 7 from 7-9 p.m. It will be taught by Ann McGovern, of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. The class covers indoor. and outdoor composting, what can be composted, and how to use the finished product. She teaches these classes around the state, and they are very popular. It's a real convenience to have her teach it locally.