recycling
UK: ˌriːˈsaɪklɪŋ | US: ˌriːˈsaɪklɪŋ
n. the process of converting waste materials into reusable materials
n. the practice of reusing items to reduce environmental impact
vt. the act of processing or reusing materials (less common)
The word "recycling" combines the prefix "re-" (from Latin, meaning "again") with the root "cycle" (from Greek "kyklos," meaning "circle") and the suffix "-ing" (forming a noun). The term reflects the concept of returning materials to a circular system of reuse, emphasizing sustainability. Historically, "cycle" entered English via French and Latin, while "re-" became a productive prefix in English to indicate repetition. The modern environmental sense emerged in the mid-20th century.
Recycling paper helps conserve natural resources.
The city introduced a new recycling program for plastic waste.
She is passionate about promoting recycling in her community.
Not all materials are suitable for recycling.
The company aims to achieve zero waste by improving its recycling processes.