recyclable
Americanadjective
Explanation
Don’t chuck anything recyclable because it can be used again. Glass bottles and paper are recyclable. Styrofoam and unicorns are not. Recycling happens when things like old paper, plastic food containers, and metal cans are turned into something new. Recyclable paper, for example, might find a new life as a cardboard box, and recyclable soda bottles might be transformed into plastic benches and tables. Not everything is recyclable, and people who care about reducing consumption and pollution will often make sure they're buying food and other goods in recyclable containers.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Access to recycling programs varies, and what is recyclable in one state can be different in another state.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 14, 2026
Arc’teryx wants every product it makes to be fully recyclable.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 27, 2026
This produced solid, recyclable photocatalysts that could continuously synthesize H2O2 under natural sunlight while maintaining stable performance.
From Science Daily ● Aug. 6, 2026
"Anyone can say on their website 'this is recyclable where your council allows'. But if no council allows it, then it doesn't mean anything," he said.
From BBC ● Jul. 24, 2026
“Her mom invented this recyclable paper coffee cup that holds in heat but keeps the outside from burning your hand.”
From "We Are the Ants" by Shaun David Hutchinson
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