Learn to reuse and recycle at home

Let’s talk trash.

In Iowa City, the current landfill was built in 1972, with expected fill date of 2020. That’s just under 50 years of use.

It’s filling up, but over 70 percent can be composted or recycled.

So, I need to change. I need to learn what I can do to reduce, reuse and recycle at my home.

In Cedar Rapids, you can put dryer lint, human hair and pet hair in your Yardy. Even clothing, which if not sold at Goodwill, is sent to textile recycling facilities for recycling.

Garbage day is Tuesday. What did a recent garbage include? I found a pizza box, paper plates, napkins, coffee grounds, scraps of fruits, old pet food, potato peelings, shrimp tails and dried-up chicken that are all compostable. So into yard waste container they went.

I also found paper coffee cup and wrapper and plastic grape and coffee creamer container, so into recycle box they go.

Now, every time I throw something in the wastebasket, I will ask: Is it recyclable? Is it compostable?

I will become informed on what my community provides for saving landfills.

So, to my grandkids and great-grandkids, I am trying. I will change.

Charlene Lange

Iowa City