recycling

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recycle

Recycling is taking old things and making new products from them instead of throwing them away. It's like giving your old clothes or bottles a new life.

We use the word "recycling" when we talk about reducing waste by reusing or transforming materials. For example, if you put plastic bottles in a special bin at home or work, they'll be collected and melted down to make new things like toys or furniture. Some cities also have recycling programs for paper, cardboard, and glass. You might see recycling centers where people sort through materials and separate them into different bins. When we recycle, we're helping to save natural resources, reduce pollution, and lower waste in landfills. Many companies are now using recycled materials in their products, which is a big step forward for the environment.

How common is "recycling"?

Word recycling is considered uncommon in modern English.
It appears most frequently in academic texts and less often in other writings.

Definitions

verb

To break down and reuse component materials.
Example: Both paper and plastic can be recycled.
To reuse as a whole.
To collect or place in a bin for recycling.
To be recycled.
Example: Sulfur recycles in the sulfur cycle.
To discard into a recycling bin.

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noun

The practice of sorting and collecting waste materials for new use.
Those materials culled for recycling.
Example: He plans to haul the recycling in on Saturday.

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