Is Recycling Really That Simple?

A few years ago I had dinner at a friend's house. After dinner, I helped clear the table and kitchen. He tossed a plastic water bottle in the trash can. In a surprised voice I asked, "Oh, you don't recycle?" To which he replied, "No, but I really should." I was really surprised that my friend didn't recycle at home, after all, I've seen him recycle elsewhere, and all the time. So, are people really green or are they just green when people are watching?