recycling

Scientific  

/ rē-sī′klĭng /

1. The collection and often reprocessing of discarded materials for reuse. Recycled materials include those used in manufacturing processes and those used in consumer products. The recycled material is often degraded somewhat by use or processing and therefore must be converted to another purpose. For example, the processing of recycled newspaper and other paper wastes usually shortens their fibers, and the material cannot be used to make high-grade paper. Instead, it can be reprocessed to make cardboard or insulation. Recycling helps reduce pollution, prolong the usefulness of landfills, and conserve natural resources.

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Example Sentences

NRW points to efforts to restore peatlands, tackle metal mine pollution, increase recycling rates and reform farm subsidies in Wales as examples of progress.

From BBC

Mine supply and gold recycling are expected to be broadly in line with last year’s levels, with high margins encouraging production.

From The Wall Street Journal

"We have developed an efficient and flexible method to guide disease-causing proteins, whether inside or outside the cell, into the body's natural recycling system, where they can be broken down and removed," said Professor Shi.

From Science Daily

Our school has three bins for waste—one for compost, one for recycling, and one for landfill trash—so when I throw it away, I separate it.

From Literature

Despite recycling efforts, most plastic ends up in landfills where it can take centuries to decompose, leaching out chemicals during that time, Deeney said.

From Barron's