Should I wash out my cans and bottles before I recycle them?

it's good to rinse 'em, but they don't have to be super clean. You're fine putting soda bottles or beer cans right in the bin.

I've actually wondered this myself and have taken to barely rinsing things out and recycling some stuff partially full, like shampoo I no longer want. I think it's okay.

The best reason to rinse them is because it keeps your recycling bin from getting sticky and smelly.

also rinsing keeps pests away. speaking from someone who has rats and cockroaches lurking around her neighborhood.

It does help with your own recycling bin, but the recycling people don't care, as long as there isn't a lot of food still in the can or bottle (or at least that's what the lady at the dump told me)