They're also recycled* in China.

*: In this context recycled means shipped to China and then dumped into the ocean.

Is that actually what happens to our recycling? I was just wondering today how all this plastic gets repurposed. Does it get shipped overseas then dumped?

Some plastic is used to make polyester clothing, but the latter can't be recycled any further. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyF9MxlcItw

so what happens to that? burned?

Which is why it's better to have cellulose/paper straws.

Paper/cellulose straws are inferior and maddening to use. Yes, I need to use a straw.

There are reusable silicone, glass, metal, etc straws if you absolutely must use a straw.

I used to have a collapsible silicone cup. Downvote me for that too.

I drink a milkshake. I must now clean a reusable straw. I have to deal with a sticky mess. That's more than I want, particularly when the alternative is pitching said sticky mess.

One of the best things about eating out is that there is no clean-up.