I think the best thing you can do is follow your communities guidelines. If they say plastics 1-5 do not throw number 6 plastic in your bin. I know too many people who throw just about everything in the recycling bin, thinking "well, if they can't recycle it they will remove it." Too much non-recyclables in the bin changes the equation for recycling companies. Throw your trash (non-recyclables in your community) in the trash or find another outlet for them. Also, yes, make sure your recyclables are clean and dry. If they want sorted in some way sort, otherwise most communities do single stream. There should be guidelines posted on your collection companies website.
momma to DD 12/08 & DS 3/13