These are both correct. Trash in a US garbage can usually ends up in a landfill. Recycling is often sent overseas, where it ends up in a different Gyre. Either

These are both correct. Trash in a US garbage can usually ends up in a landfill. Recycling is often sent overseas, where it ends up in a different Gyre. Either way, a plastic straw (according to the article) doesn't enter in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre if thrown into the trash or sent to recycling, it ends up in a landfill if trash, or a different gyre if sent overseas. Lesson learned: sometimes throwing stuff away is better. And don't litter, it goes without saying.