That's a great and very common question! The short answer is: it's not recommended, and in many places, it's not allowed. While you technically *could* put recyclables in a standard outdoor trash can, doing so creates several problems that hinder the recycling process.
The main issue is identification. Waste management workers need to quickly and easily distinguish between a trash truck and a recycling truck. Most communities require or provide specific bins—often blue—clearly marked with recycling symbols. Using a standard black or green trash can often leads to your recyclables being mistaken for garbage and sent to the landfill.
Furthermore, specific recycling bins are designed for the job. They often have the right shape for automated truck arms, lids to prevent materials from blowing away, and sometimes even compartments for sorting. A regular trash can might not be as durable for heavier items like glass bottles and can contaminate materials if it previously held garbage.
Your best first step is to check with your local waste hauler or municipality. They will have explicit rules. Many provide dedicated recycling bins, sometimes for free or a small fee. If you must use your own container, ensure it's clearly and permanently labeled "RECYCLING" and that you only place accepted, clean, and dry materials inside. Using the proper bin is a small step that makes a huge difference in ensuring your efforts actually result in materials being recycled.