SOUTH POINT - Think it over before you throw it away.

That was the message Wednesday as Lawrence-Scioto County Solid Waste District Education Coordinator Stephanie Nida introduced to a group of home-schooled children learning about the district's recycling program.

An average of two to three times a week, Nida talks to clubs, civic organizations and schools about the importance of recycling

in the effort to keep Lawrence County clean.

"Most products we use can be recycled," Nida explained to the children. "So I hope this makes you think before you throw stuff in the trash."

Nida talked to the children about the district's rotating solid waste recycling trailers that are moved throughout the county and accept used paper, plastic and aluminum and she

encouraged the children to talk to their parents about starting a family recycling effort. Some children said they had already gotten a taste of recycling - and liked it.

"I once made a bird feeder out of a milk carton," 10-year-old Kimberly Christie, of Huntington, W.Va., volunteered, while 7-year-old Meaghanne Welton said she often made crafts out of soft drink can pull tabs.

A video explained to the children that garbage won't go away just because we throw it away. Did the children get the message?

"I learned not to throw away stuff that you can use again," 7-year-old Abigail Saxton, of South Point, said.

And that was the point, Nida said.

"I hope they develop the positive habit of recycling," Nida said.

"This is something we're really trying to promote. We want people to take pride in their community and make it a better place to live."

Those who want more information on the solid waste district's programs may call 532-1231.