Question: I am confused about what items I can put in the three waste containers the city provides to residents. Can you tell me what can go into the Rosie, Herbie and Lenny receptacles?

Answer: On the LFUCG Web pages you can find descriptions of items suitable for each waste container:

1) Lenny the yard waste bin:

http://www.lfucg.com/pubworks/solid_waste/lenny.asp

Here you will find that yard waste is organic material from our yards including grass clippings, leaves, shrub trimmings, and tree limbs and descriptions on how to properly prepare yard waste to fit the Lenny containers. Also, on this Web site, you will find that yard waste is the single largest waste component that comes from our homes and that it makes up about 18% of all waste collected. Alternates to putting yard waste in containers are discussed including composting to turn yard waste into soil nutrients for lawns.

2) Rosie the recycling bin:

http://www.lfucg.com/pubworks/solid_waste/recycle.asp

On this page, you’ll find reasons for recycling household waste including saving landfill space and saving energy. For example, you will learn that recycling one aluminum can saves as much electricity as it takes to run a television for three hours. Also, included is a list of what can be recycled: boxboard, brown paper bags, catalogues, corrugated cardboard, magazines, newspapers with inserts, office and school papers, phone books, unwanted mail, aerosol cans, aluminum soda and beer cans, steel food cans, plastic, glass, etc. Also, you will find a list here of items that cannot be accepted because Lexington is unable to market these products: soft drink carrier cases, plastic grocery bags and styrofoam containers.

3) Herbie the Curbie waste bin:

http://www.lfucg.com/pubworks/solid_waste/trash.asp

Here is information you need to know about the large, durable, refuse container referred to as “Herbie.” All garbage must be placed in disposable plastic bags that are leak proof. Do not exceed Herbie’s recommended weight of 200 lbs. A complete list of what shouldn’t be put in the Herbie is listed here including bricks, dirt, building material, metal car parts, hot ashes, hot charcoal, paint, solvents, flammable liquids, medical waste, etc. Also, on this page, instructions on how to keep the container clean and who to call if it is stolen.

Linda Niemi

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