More Poly-Cart Clarification.

The appearance of the new poly-carts to be used for residential solid waste storage has caused the phones to start ringing at City Hall and the Public Works Department.

The carts themselves may not have caused a reaction as much as the instructions for use that accompanied the carts. The boxed area of the instructions that included what cannot be placed in the container has caused concern among animal owners. The mention of animal waste in that category started phones ringing.

A call to the Public Works department clarified the intent of the instruction. As long as any is contained in a plastic bag it will not be considered a violation. What needs to be avoided is the dumping of something like the entire contents of a cat box directly into the container.

Many of the calls reported were simply questioning why this green trash can was place in the front yard. Many residents were not aware of any changes in the trash service.

Anyone with a disability is encouraged to call Allied Waste at 1-800-627-1717 to discuss special arrangements.

I’ve been seein’ several versions of an email that is reminiscent of the "good ol’ days." Baby boomers seem ta be lookin’ back at what they consider a simpler time.

Seems most view the nostalgic time as a pleasant one. ‘Course we all heard stories growin’ up by parents and grandparents ‘bout how it used ta be. The difference is their stories were tempered by a couple a world wars and the great depression. The boomers were sheltered from a good portion of such experience.

Overall the parents of boomers musta done a fair job of raisin’ their kids. They seem ta have a good share of fond memories. Hopefully the second generation boomers find a few good memories ta hang on to also.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

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THIS IS A HAMMER

By Samantha Mazzotta

Know How to Dispose of Household Waste

Q: Occasionally in your columns, you’ll advise readers to "properly dispose of" a chemical such as latex paint or thinner. What constitutes proper disposal? -- Chuck D. in Cincinnati

A: Proper disposal of household waste -- especially waste that is toxic to humans, pets and wildlife and waste that does not break down easily in the environment -- is a very important chore both for your safety and the health of the environment.

That’s why the majority of municipalities in the United States have hazardous-waste disposal guidelines and facilities, as well as recycling centers. Here are a few tips to efficiently dispose of trash, chemicals and used home-repair items.

• Look up requirements for hazardous-waste disposal for your city or county either by visiting the municipal Web site or contacting city hall.

• Find out when recycling, yard waste (tree trimmings, leaves, etc.) and hazardous waste are either picked up or where and when they can be dropped off. Each municipality has different rules and facilities.

• Store toxic items marked for disposal in a tool shed or corner of the garage, away from the house and inaccessible to children or pets.

• Don’t put toxic items into the recycling bin, even temporarily. Half-empty bottles of cleaner, for example, might get mixed up with empty plastic containers and forgotten.

• Used motor oil is often accepted for recycling by auto-parts stores and some auto repair shops. Contact nearby retailers for information.

Remember that any chemical, even seemingly innocent cleaners, can be harmful to living creatures and the environment. A product labeled as "nontoxic" should still be carefully disposed of -- for example, dumping bleach down a sink drain can wreak havoc on a septic system. Latex-based paints, thrown into landfills with regular garbage, can leach chemicals into the ecosystem.