When we throw away our trash, most of it winds up in a landfill.

However, not all things that are being dumped are actually trash.

About two-thirds of the trash piling up at the landfill could actually be recycled.

Bottles, cans, cardboard and different types of building materials could have a second life, if only they weren’t tossed out with the garbage.

Look closely at a pile of trash and you might see some stuff that should not be in the pile. Items like tires, wood and cardboard found in the average trash bin could be recycled. Plastic bags often found in trashcans could also be recycled.

“There are so many opportunities to recycle that material in San Diego,” said Jennifer Ott of San Diego’s Environmental Services Department.

Ott said if citizens had the opportunity to visit the landfill once a year, recycling habits might change.

“Miramar landfill is scheduled to close in 2012 so we need to extend the life of this landfill for as long as we can,” said Ott.

We all need to do a better job sorting trash and recyclables, Ott said.

Bottles and cans could be recycled, and most paper and cardboard is recyclable as well.

Citizens are advised to not junk your junk mail. All those unwanted ads, solicitations and catalogs could be recycled.

“It’s pretty much my fault because that stuff is all recyclable,” said San Diego resident Dan Misell.

Misell dumps construction waste at the Miramar landfill.

He spoke to 10News and realized he could give some of his waste a second chance.

“It behooves all of us to take an extra minute because the future belongs to the efficient,” said Misell.

Misell decided to recycle the cardboard, saving space at the landfill and doing a good deed for the planet.

Environmental Services told 10News 82 percent of San Diego city residents participate in curbside recycling.

If you are not sure what is recyclable, call your trash service to find out.