Is there something in your garbage that isn't really garbage?

Chances are, yes. Over half of what you put in the trash can be recycled, reused or transformed into new consumer products.

Waste prevention and recycling programs are expanding to help local governments comply with a state law requiring cities and counties to cut their garbage in half by the year 2000. Many cities have composting programs and curbside collection programs, but they need you to take another look at your trash. Are any other items that can be recycled in there? If so, it's time to sort them out.

Even yard waste -- which makes up a huge part of California's waste stream -- can be recycled right in your own backyard through the simple practices of grasscycling, mulching and composting. In addition to saving landfill space, you'll save on buying fertilizer for your yard.

If you put vegetable food scraps in the compost bin, you'll be surprised how little real garbage will end up in your garbage can.

For many of us, recycling has become a habit at home and at work. But for others, recycling and waste reduction has yet to catch on. To learn what you can recycle, call [insert local information].

Let's keep in mind why we're reducing waste and recycling. Not only do we need to conserve our natural resources, but our landfills are filling up fast. If we're not careful with what we throw away, California could run out of landfill space in the year 2005.

Here's one way to remind yourself of the task at hand and to help beat the clock.

Try thinking of your recycling bin as your ungarbage can; put everything in it that your area recycles. Better yet, consider yourself a generator of untrash. The best way to relieve the burden of solid waste management is never to create waste in the first place. And instead of thinking of your trash bin as an ordinary garbage can, consider it as your own little landfill. Don't forget that you'll need to cut the amount of garbage you stick in your landfill in half by the year 2000.