Recycle

Definition

The term "recycle" refers to the process of converting waste materials into new products, thereby preventing resource waste, reducing energy usage, and lowering environmental impact. It can also mean to reuse or repurpose something for further use.

Parts of Speech

• Verb
• Noun (less common, referring to the act or process)

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /riˈsaɪkəl/
• Respelling: ree‑SYE‑kəl

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /rɪˈsaɪkəl/
• Respelling: ri‑SYE‑kəl

Etymology

"Recycle" is formed from the prefix re‑ (“again”) + cycle (“to pass through a sequence”), first recorded in English in the 1920s to describe industrial re‑processing of waste materials.

Derivatives

• Recycling (noun / present participle)
• Recyclable (adjective / noun)
• Recycler (noun)
• Recyclability (noun)

Synonyms

• Reuse
• Reprocess
• Recover
• Upcycle (when converting to a product of higher value)

Antonyms

• Discard
• Waste
• Dispose
• Dump

Usage

"Recycle" appears frequently in environmental, industrial, and everyday contexts. Examples: "Please recycle paper and plastic separately," or "The city increased its recycle rate last year."

Related Terms

• Sustainability: Meeting present needs without compromising future resources.
• Compost: Organic matter recycled into fertilizer.
• Circular economy: An economic system aimed at eliminating waste and continual resource use.

Detailed Definitions

Verb

• To process used materials into new, usable products: Involves collection, sorting, and manufacturing.
  • Example: "Factories recycle aluminum cans into new metal sheets."
• To use again or repurpose for a different function: Extends the life‑cycle of an item.
  • Example: "She recycled old jars as flower vases."

Noun

• The act or process of recycling materials:
  • Example: "Community programs encourage greater recycle of household waste."