recycling

American  

[ree-sahyk-ling] / riˈsaɪk lɪŋ /

noun

plural

recyclings

1. the collection and processing of used or waste materials so as to make them suitable for reuse, often through a publicly administered program.

2. the act or practice of reusing or adapting something for a different purpose without altering its essential form or nature.

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adjective

1. relating to or engaging in the collection and processing of used or waste materials so as to make them suitable for reuse, or the practice of reusing or adapting things for a different purpose.

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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Other Word Forms

• anti-recycling adjective
• nonrecycling adjective
• post-recycling adjective
• pro-recycling adjective
• self-recycling adjective

Example Sentences

Japan has a poor recycling rate, reusing not even 20 percent of municipal waste, according to the National Institute for Environmental Studies.

From Barron's

Uniform for All is a community project for recycling uniforms for Rochdale's schools - and in the six years since opening, the volunteer-led organisation has provided free uniforms to more than 2,000 families.

From BBC

Reports on abysmally low rates of recycling for milk cartons and polystyrene had been widely shared even before that.

From Los Angeles Times

These are then processed in their own recycling station, with some materials reused.

From BBC

Meanwhile, in the U.S., a company launched by the former head of Glencore’s recycling business wants to harvest metals from old electronics as the U.S. seeks to loosen China’s grip on refining.

From The Wall Street Journal