Reader’s trash can went missing

Dear Heloise: My city provides each house with a container for trash collection and one for recycling. Our trash can recently went missing. I looked around but can’t find it. Why would someone steal a trash can?

Nicole in San Antonio

It’s a pretty sad day if someone steals a large trash can! Check with your neighbors to make sure someone didn’t accidentally take your can by mistake. They all are green and look alike here in San Antonio, and someone might have grabbed it by mistake. You should call the company (or city agency) that provides the service for information about a replacement and to report that “one got away.”

Here in San Antonio, that number is 311 to connect with almost every city agency. Some companies will replace the trash can at no charge, but if this continues, they most likely will charge you, and those cans are not cheap!

Most trash containers have an identification number on them somewhere, so take note.

I sprayed a big purple circle on both sides of our can so no one can “mistakenly” take it. If someone does, it will stand out among the other cans.

Heloise

Dear Heloise: When traveling, I go through my wallet and take out anything I won’t need on my trip. I take only one or two credit cards, identification and only what I need. That way, if my wallet is stolen, it would limit the amount I would have to replace, saving me time and hassle.

A Reader in New York

Dear Heloise: Here are other ways I use the return-address labels that come in the mail: I place one on my dog’s license tag. I put some on the CD/DVD cases I trade with family and friends. I place them on my slow cooker or dishes that I take to other places to make sure they are returned.

Melissa B., via email

Dear Heloise: I sometimes forget to take my daily medication if I am in a rush in the morning. To remedy this, I got a small pill case and put a day or two’s worth of my medication in it and placed it in my purse. Now, if I forget to take them, I have them on me.

A. Ringland in Ohio

Very good hint, and one that road warriors should take heed of. Even though your prescription medications should not go in checked luggage, it’s peace of mind to know that there are two days of medications available.

Heloise

Dear Heloise: I have a suggestion to add to your hints for preventing rust rings from shaving-cream cans. I have a can of hair spray that has a rusty bottom. It has a flat plastic cap that snaps on. I merely replace the cap and place the spray can upside down on the sink area.

D.J. in Denham Springs, La.

Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, fax it to 210-HELOISE or email it to Heloise@Heloise.com.

2015 King Features Syndicate