Only 25% of of all plastic storage bottles ever get recycled. The rest end up in land fills. Most land fills do not have recycling facilities (there are some cities that do) that search for recyclables and recycle what can be.
It is a problem.
BUT - So is plastic containers. There is a debate as to whether dioxins are released by either freezing, heating or overusing plastic containers.
There are as many opinions regarding this but a lot of people believe it -
http://urbanlegends.about.com/library/bl_frozen_plastic_dioxin.htm
The real problem is that most plastic water bottles are difficult to clean. There is always a haven for bacteria to grow.
Cooking M.O.
Micro- waving plastic wrap
Verdict
The Facts
Some people worry that nuking plastic releases cancer-causing dioxins. They shouldn't. "Dioxins are not present in plastics used for microwavable food containers or plastic wrap," says Rolf Halden, Ph.D., assistant professor of environmental health sciences at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore.
Keep In Mind
"When it says 'microwave safe' on the packaging, manufacturers have gone to great lengths to prove that the product is safe," Dr. Marsden says. If you don't see those two magic words on the label, keep the item out of the microwave: Chemicals could escape during nuking. Avoid reheating Styrofoam takeout containers for this reason too.
Myth/Legend -
Reusing water bottles
Verdict
The Facts
Since the shape of a water bottle makes it tough to wash, illness-causing bacteria get trapped inside. "It's a question of whether you're able to clean the bottles to prevent bacteria growth," Dr. Halden says. Chances are, you can't — or can't be bothered. To get rid of all bacteria, you'll need to decontaminate with bleach and a thorough rinse or soak the bottle in boiling water. Note: Some thin plastic bottles won't withstand this regime..
Keep In Mind
Freezing water bottles poses no known health risks, but experts recommend sticking to those labeled "safe for freezing," since changing the temperature of plastic may be dangerous. Anytime you want to heat or cool the water in your bottle, it's best to use plastic specifically designed for those purposes. If you're prone to leaving your bottle in a hot car, spring for a sturdy reusable one.
Look at the carby (water bottle) in the water cooler at work. Thick plastic intentionally made to be cleaned easily using high heat
But remember, even if your area does not have recycling facilities, you can still recycle! Remember that almost every house in america used an empty Clorox bottle to store clothes pins for the outside clothes line!
http://www.make-stuff.com/recycling/plastic_bottles.html
