flip-top plastic containers ok for single-stream recycling

Flip-top plastic containers can be put into single-stream recycling bins.  Recycling guide charts either don't mention them or indicate that clamshell containers can't go into single-steam bins.  That refers to Styrofoam clamshells.  Styrofoam sadly is not recyclable and isn't biodegradable.  That's why Styrofoam Mom hates Styrofoam.

Paper towels, even ones that you just used to dry your hands, should not be put into single-steam recycling.  Most paper towels are biodegradable, so paper towels going into landfill is much less of a problem.