Not every piece of plastic is recyclable — here's what you need to know TODAY 2 hrs ago Elyse Pham The recycling industry has a counterintuitive catchphrase, according to David Biderman, executive director of the Solid Waste Association of North America: “When in doubt, throw it out.” “There are a lot of people who are what we refer to as wishful or aspirational recyclers,” Biderman told TMRW. “They say, ‘Well, this must be recyclable. This is a GLAD plastic container.’’” In reality, this mentality makes it less likely that successful recycling takes place — all the more unfortunate when you realize how little recycling is even attempted at all. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, only 30% of plastic water bottles are recycled.