Well, obviously it will generate CO2. However, with ashes, NOx, sulfur, other nasty stuff there is a lot of technology available to prevent them forming or at least scrub the flue gases.
In Germany there is a 25c deposit for PET bottles, so they get a pretty good recycling rate. Major soda companies are already in 100% recycled bottles.
If you think your government is lying to you about recycling, it is probably a waste of time for me trying to explain to you how we do it. But here goes: Yes there are first steps being made to outlaw certain types of plastic uses. Grocery bags, use of PVC in general, etc. Recycling is mostly based on separation by specific weight, then turning it into recyclate to go into the product stream with virgin material. small bits and pieces (“chaff”) go to waste incineration.
There are no more landfills overhere. Glass is effectively recycled, plastic is recycled (with profit), anything compostable is composted by the city, rest of the trash is incinerated and the heat reused. Turns out incinerating trash is so profitable different municipalities are competing to get their hands on your trash, especially if you are an industrial client.
The whoopie lamp just got lit.