Much plastic recycling is a sham.
1st world business pays 3rd world business to take their plastic for "recycling" (mandatory air quotes). The 1st world gets credit for being a responsible environmentalist. The 3rd world business then dumps the plastic in a river or other convenient but totally not enviro-friendly dumping spot.
It's sort of an open conspiracy at this point. Putting your plastic in the trash may be better for the environment overall.