DEAR SUN SPOTS: I’m hoping you can find out the true answer to my question which is about recycling in Auburn. I thought that Auburn participated in a recycling program, meaning that the material — including mixed paper — is actually recycled in some form or another and not just incinerated.

However, my wife was recently told by someone running for the City Council that the city just burns everything and just recovers what metal or glass that doesn’t burn for recycling.

If this is true, a lot of time on my part could be saved each week not having to separate my mixed paper and other materials from my regular garbage. I don’t mind taking the time to separate the material if it is actually being recycled, but if it’s just a futile waste of time on my part I have better things I could be doing.

Is the candidate telling the truth or is Auburn actually recycling the material that is put out? Thanks! — Dan P., Auburn

ANSWER: For an answer to this question, Sun Spots turned to Nick Labbe, deputy director of Public Works, who wrote that the candidate is mistaken: 

“The answer is yes, the city of Auburn does indeed have a recycling program, and no, the city does not just incinerate the material after collection.

“The Auburn Public Services Department has a recycling truck that performs curbside pickup on a set schedule (recycling schedule can be obtained by visiting the city’s website (www.auburnmaine.org/Pages/Residents/Trash-Recycling ).

“We collect more than 2 tons of recycled material a day here in the city, over 500 tons yearly. That material is transported to a location in Lewiston, where it is collected and sent to a single-stream zero-sort facility for recycling.

“The city has also placed a recycling drop-off container at Mid-Maine Waste Action Corp. on Goldthwaite Road in Auburn to collect recycled material from residents who visit that location.

“This may be part of the confusion. The materials dropped off at MMWAC are also collected and processed for recycling, not incinerated.

“The city is currently working on expanding the recycling program to have automated curbside pickup on a weekly basis in conjunction with weekly solid waste (trash) pickup. This new program will increase the ability of residents to recycle and make it easier to do so.

“I hope this answers the questions and proves false any claims by this misinformed political candidate.”

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I’m wondering if there are any industrious left-handed folks out there who would like to inherit a growing collection of “orphaned” left-hand rubber gloves?

I’m a right-hander with sensitive skin who must wear gloves to do dishes and other housework, and my right gloves always wear out before the left, leaving me with a surfeit of leftover left gloves. I’ve even tried turning them inside out to wear on my right hand, but that usually doesn’t work out very well.

So if anyone would like to have them, they can give me a call at the number below. And if there are any lefties who have any extra right-handed rubber gloves I’d be delighted to adopt them, or — better yet — make an exchange.

While we’re on the topic of repurposing, is there any area nonprofit organization or church or whatever that might be able to make use of leftover plastic cutlery, such as what one gets with fast-food meals?

I’m talking about spoons, knives and/or forks (or sporks) which are clean and unused, many in sealed plastic wrappers with napkins and/or salt and pepper. I expect that I’m not the only person who ends up with a bunch of leftovers, and it seems a shame to just toss them out.

Thanks! — A dedicated recycler-reuser, Lewiston, 782-0386

ANSWER: Sun Spots doesn’t know any lefties, but she can think of some groups that might use the plastic cutlery, such as those who serve meals to the homeless. Please write to the column so other readers can donate along with the letter writer.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have four pair of Mediven medical compression stockings that I would like to give to someone who needs them.

They are thigh high, 15-20 closed toe in natural color. I have two pair each of size II and size IV. They go for about $50 a pair. Some are new, and some only worn a few times.

They were my mother’s. She recently passed away, and I know she would want someone to get use from them. Thanks for your help. — Jo Hoke, Jay, 645-3622, johoke@earthlink.net

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 emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com

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