Here are a few reasons why:

1. Increased use of disposable plastics: To reduce the risk of transmission, many businesses and individuals have shifted from reusable to disposable items such as plastic bags, gloves, masks, and food packaging. This has led to a surge in plastic waste generation.

2. Decreased recycling efforts: Due to safety concerns and operational challenges, many recycling facilities have reduced their operations or temporarily closed during the pandemic. This has disrupted the recycling process and made it difficult for consumers to recycle their plastic waste properly.

3. Contamination of recyclable materials: The increased use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and other disposable plastics has also resulted in contamination of recyclable materials. This contamination can make it difficult or impossible to recycle these materials, further reducing the amount of plastic that is actually recycled.

4. Economic impacts: The economic fallout from the pandemic has also affected the recycling industry. Reduced consumer spending and decreased demand for recycled materials have made it harder for recycling businesses to operate profitably, leading to further cuts in recycling services.

5. Changing consumer behavior: The pandemic has also led to changes in consumer behavior that may have long-term impacts on plastic recycling. For example, increased reliance on online shopping and takeout food has resulted in more single-use plastic packaging, which can be difficult to recycle.

As a result of these factors, the amount of plastic waste that is recycled is likely to decrease during the COVID-19 pandemic. This will have negative environmental consequences, as plastic pollution can harm wildlife, contaminate ecosystems, and contribute to climate change.