DEAR SUN SPOTS: Could you settle this once and for all: Are pizza boxes recyclable? In Lewiston? In Auburn? The rule of thumb, I always was told, was that if it has food residue on it, then it is no longer recyclable. But I’m wondering if that is still true. Or if it ever was. — Jason R., Lewiston

ANSWER: Sun Spots called both the Lewiston and Auburn transfer stations, as well as talking to the crew at her transfer station, Readfield-Wayne, and the answer for those locations is yes, they are, but you need to remove all the food first. The grease that soaks into the cardboard is not a problem, but you don’t want to leave actual food remaining in the box. So remove all the crusts and scrape off the last little bit of cheese before you toss that box in your recycling bin.

As for whether this has always been true, that is up for debate. One former transfer station employee told Sun Spots that when he was trained wet or greasy cardboard could not be recycled. That may still be true in some towns, depending on where they sell their cardboard. Perhaps other transfer station managers will write in with their rules for pizza boxes.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: In response to the Oct. 7 inquiry about old trophies, the John F. Murphy Homes welcomes them. There was even a story about this in the Sun Journal in 2008.

They will recycle them and use them for awards for their clients. I dropped off a box full of trophies a month ago and was welcomed by a very appreciative front office staff.

Please let your readers know of this so they, too, can do a good deed and bring smiles to some very special individuals.

John F. Murphy Homes is at 800 Center St., Auburn, 782-2726. — Catherine Bouquet, catherine.bouquet4@gmail.com

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The annual Phippsburg Scholarship Craft Fair will be held at the Phippsburg Elementary School, 1047 Main Road, Phippsburg, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, hosted by the Recreation Department and PTO.

Our mission is to support the local high school seniors on furthering their education by providing them with scholarships. A craft room is provided for parents to drop off their children (ages 5 and up) while they shop the fair to make crafts/gifts and decorate a gingerbread house ($10 per child). Our famous lobster stew luncheon will be served at 11:30.

For table rentals ($20) contact Tina Talbot at 522-6884 or email threetalbots@yahoo.com. For more information contact me. — Joanne Wells, 389-1835, tenacious6@comcast.net.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Lewiston High School Softball Boosters are looking for donations for a silent auction to be held at the Gridiron Restaurant on Saturday, Dec. 3. So far, items to be auctioned include signed sports memorabilia, gift cards, gift baskets and framed art.

If you would like to donate an item to showcase your business, please contact me as soon as possible — almost anything goes! We are expecting hundreds of bidders. The event is open to the public, and we welcome all. — April Clark, aprilclark234@gmail.com

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be e-mailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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