There are too many articles to count that say you use less water by running the dishwasher rather than hand washing or pre-rinsing your dishes. But choosing the dishwasher over the tap can also help if you need to clean your recyclables before placing them in the recycling bin. (You can also slip a few bottles / jars in with your usual load of dishes.)
You'll save money if household recycling costs you less than your refuse service. And you'll use less water cleansing your recycling if you need to do so, also saving a few pennies.
Spend less money, help the environment.
