Dear Heloise: My husband and I recycle and compost as much as we can; consequently, we have less trash to put out for trash collection. We found that at least one trash collector in our area has a “bag collection.” We buy a roll of extra-large trash bags (about the size of leaf bags) at our local grocery store. We empty our kitchen trash can about three times before putting it out for collection about every six to eight weeks.

I freeze items that would cause an odor and put them in the trash on the day we put the bag out for collection. We checked with the company to see whether we needed to call when we put out a bag. We did call a few times until the workers were used to picking up from us.

This has been a big savings for us!

-- Lin T., in Enon, Ohio

Lin, for many of my readers, this might be a big help. I don’t think I’ve heard of this before now, and perhaps not every city offers this service. But it’s worth looking into!

-- Heloise

A WATERING SOLUTION

Dear Heloise: I have many containers that are filled with several different potted plants. Watering them was a real problem, as it was difficult to determine where the individual pots were, and my watering can was too large to direct the water where it needed to go. I also didn’t want to disrupt the arrangement to get to each pot.

Then came a turkey baster to the rescue! It worked perfectly, and there were no more overflows onto furniture. Thanks to all your readers for the wonderful hints over the years!

-- L.M., in Little Rock, Arkansas

L.M., what a wonderful idea! Using a turkey baster is such a clever and simple solution to this problem. Thank you for sharing your hint with us. I’m sure that many other readers will find it incredibly helpful for their own plant arrangements.

-- Heloise

Gym MUSIC too loud

Dear Heloise: I am in my 70s and enjoy taking group workout classes at a local gym, but I wonder why instructors insist on playing music so loud. I started to avoid some classes because the music hurt my ears and gave me a headache.

Recently, I started using small ear plugs during classes, and it’s been great. I can hear the instructor clearly, as well as the beat and music. Truly life-changing! But in such a health-conscious environment, why don’t they simply have the music at a level that’s safe?

Diane D., via email

Dear Jane, I have to agree with you. I’ve seen programs and movies where the music drowns out the person who’s speaking, or the music is so loud that you can’t enjoy it. Over time, this level of noise damages a person’s hearing. I’ve asked more than one server at a restaurant if they could please turn down the volume of the restaurant’s music.

-- Heloise

Send a great hint to Heloise@Heloise.com.