We all have different names for it: trash, waste, junk and so on. If you have been following area news, from the metro area in Minnesota to North and South Dakota, we are in a pickle when it comes to places to throw away things we no longer want or need. Landfills are filling up and the need to live more sustainably is now.

Lyon County residents are fortunate because our landfill is right here in our backyard. There are counties surrounding us that are not so fortunate and have had to haul trash to our landfill because theirs are now closed.

We all will always have trash but we can all work to minimize how much trash we are throwing out by making sure we are doing our part and living a more sustainable life. Recycling is a good way to start but it will not fix the trash problem. It is one piece of the solution to reduce waste in the first place.

Recycling, along with learning how to compost food waste will reduce your trash by a significant amount. With both of these activities, we also need to learn how to reduce such things as less plastic (choose aluminum over plastic-for example) and eating all of the food we purchase so there is little to compost.

Just as it is important to recycle and compost, learn how to reuse items by taking gently used items to thrift stores and reuse stores. If you are not sure what you can take to these places, ask them before taking it there. Clothing that is filthy or soiled should never go to the thrift stores-remember the good folks who work at these places are reaching into the bags you drop off and can come into contact with various hazards. Wash your items before dropping them off or in the worst-case scenario, throw them away. The same with torn, dirty or ripped up furniture or similar items should never to go the ReStore or thrift stores.

While we need to work collectively on reducing waste, we also need to give ourselves permission to throw some things away. Residents can self-haul trash to the Lyon County Landfill for a fee. Appliances, tires and a few other things are an extra cost so when in doubt, call the landfill for assistance or the environmental office for help. If it is not an option to self-haul, call your waste hauler. They can also help you out. They are professionals when it comes to trash hauling.

If you live out in the country and do not have a way to throw things away, call a waste hauler for help. Rural residents can get permanent or temporary trash services too.

Businesses are encouraged to recycle and reduce waste too. Businesses should contact their waste hauler about recycling services. Businesses do not pay the special assessment on property taxes for recycling so businesses have to go one-step further and contact someone for that service. Businesses who have fluorescent bulbs, batteries, chemical or paint to dispose of need to call our Household Hazardous Waste facility for assistance before bringing items to the facility. As the name says, it is Household and so businesses need to approach hazardous waste disposal in a different manner.

Lyon County offers other disposal options for items such as electronics, mattresses and box springs, shredded paper, rigid Styrofoam, paint, chemicals, appliances and tires. These items may have a fee to dispose of them (some are free and some have a fee) but they are all recycled outside of the curbside carts and community recycling drop sites. These items all have specific places that they have to go to and should not be dropped off outside the office or dropped into the recycling drop sites. Call us for details.

The key takeaway is that once residents become really good at recycling and composting, along with controlling what purchases go in and out of your home, you will be living a true sustainable life!

For more information, call the Lyon County Landfill at (507) 865-45615 or the Environmental office at (507) 532-8210. More information can be found on the county website at www.lyonco.org.