To cancel Trash: Recycling 101

I'm starting to look at my kitchen differently.  What is not recyclable?  Could I just be "wishful" and through everything into the recycling bin?  The bags in cereal boxes confounded me today.  What are these things made out of, and can they get recycled?  That would feel great for me!  I also know it causes more sorting.  I found this cartoonish-but-great video today, and actually watched all 15 minutes.  Bouncing cardboard is surprisingly meditative.

I have some take aways, and some lingering questions.

Answers:
- I can recycle aluminum foil!  I just need to clean it and ball it.
- I can't squish 3D objects like plastic bottles or beer cans!
- I can't recycle shredded paper, compost it! (I actually knew that one, surprise!)
- Ceramics and metal pans cannot be recycled!
- I can take clean, dry plastic bags to grocery stores!
- Broken glass is fine!

Lingering Questions:
- Is there a size limitation on plastic things?
- What numbers of plastic are recyclable?  I've heard that #5 is not.
- What happens when paper gets wet or sticky?
- When something has both plastic and cardboard, does it just get tossed out?  Do those bits need to be separated?  How about a beer can with a lime in it?  And what are the consequences when these things get through?

I'll try to answer some of those questions and come back.  Until then, enjoy the dizzying view of recyclables zooming by!