Environment / A2

ree-SYKL/ˌriːˈsaɪkl/

To recycle is to treat used materials so they can be used again: recycle paper, recycle glass, a recycling bin. Reuse is using the same object again without processing; reduce means use less. Recyclable is the adjective. Rubbish is what you throw away if you do not recycle it. Do not say “recycle the rubbish” for everything — some waste cannot be recycled.

Meaning

To treat used materials so they can be used again.

Examples

• “We recycle paper, glass, and plastic at home.”
• “We recycle plastic bottles at the supermarket.”
• “Is this cardboard recyclable?”

Good to know

recycle paper / glass / plastic. a recycling bin. Contrast: reuse / reduce. Adjective: recyclable.

Topics

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