By Treena Shapiro
Advertiser Staff Writer

Q. How do you properly dispose of oil used to deep fry a Thanksgiving turkey?

A. Whatever you do, don't pour it down the drain unless you want to risk damaging your pipes and sewer system, advises Suzanne Jones, city recycling coordinator Suzanne Jones.

The oil can be thrown out with the trash, as long as it has been solidified in paper or some other absorbent material and put in a plastic bag to prevent leaking. Jones suggests using motor oil disposal boxes, which are available at car supply stores.

Q. Is there a law that prohibits commercial limousines from parking on public streets? It's bad enough that we have to lose parking spaces to abandoned and stolen vehicles.

A. The short answer is no, but there are regulations on how long they can remain parked. According to the traffic code, commercial vehicles that weigh more than 10,000 pounds can stay parked in the same location no more than three hours. Those under 10,000 pounds have to be moved every 24 hours. City spokeswoman Carol Costa encourages residents to follow up with police when commercial vehicles continue to be a problem.

Q. What options are available to an individual homeowner (in a townhouse complex) to repair and/or replace a "popcorn" ceiling that contains asbestos? The information that I have states that only a contractor who is certified to do asbestos work is qualified to do repair/removal of the entire ceiling and may cost thousands of dollars. Is there an alternative solution?

A. For townhouse and condominium owners, the only alternative is to leave the ceiling intact, said Tom Lileikis, an environmental health specialist with the Department of Health's Noise, Radiation and Indoor Air Quality Branch.

The Health Department regulates asbestos removal in any residential complex with four or more attached units and requires use of a certified and licensed asbestos abatement contractor.

However, Lileikis added that there is no law against having asbestos material in place and it is not considered a health hazard unless you are planning to disturb the ceiling through renovation, replacement or demolition.

For more information about other types of buildings, call 586-5800.

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