recycle

recycle Definition

re·cy·cle (rē sī′kəl)

transitive verb -·cled, -·cling

to pass through a cycle or part of a cycle again, as for checking, treating, etc.
to use again and again, as a single supply of water in cooling, washing, diluting, etc.
1. to treat or process in order to use again recycle aluminum cans
2. to gather up and turn in (empty bottles and cans, old newspapers, etc.) to be so treated or processed
to alter or adapt to a new use or function recycle an old tenement into condominiums
to use again; bring back; reuse recycle a speech from a previous campaign

intransitive verb

to pass through a cycle, system, etc. and return to the starting point again or repeatedly the electronic flash recycles in 5 seconds; the water recycles through the cooling system
to engage in recycling empty bottles, old newspapers, etc.

recycle Related Forms

re·cy′·cla·ble (-klə bəl) adjective re·cy′·cler (-klər, -kəl ər) noun

recycle Synonyms

reuse, recover, salvage, convert; see reclaim 1.

recycle Usage Examples

Object

cartridge: Why not help the environment by recycling empty printer cartridges whilst saving money!
ton: The company has the capacity to recycle 4,000 tons per year.
bin: To empty the recycle bin quickly, right click on its icon.
waste: The more waste recycled, the less is sent to landfill.
can: Recycling one tin can saves enough energy to power a television for three hours.
cardboard: Taurus recycles all cardboard and glass and is actively working with EMERGE to look at recycling all other waste products.

Preposition: at

kerbside: However, envelopes cannot be recycled at the kerbside due to the adhesive on them.

Preposition: into

compost: As much as 30 % of our household rubbish can be recycled into compost.
can: The energy saved from recycling one can could run a TV for three hours; Usually aluminum cans are recycled back into drinks cans.

Modifies a noun

bin: From January 2003, second wheeled blue recycle bins will be issued in phases across the Boro.

Modifying Another Word

indefinitely: Copper can also be recycled almost indefinitely without losing its form.
safely: It helps treat solid waste removed from the wastewater so it can be safely recycled as an agricultural fertilizer.
continuously: Aluminum: Aluminum is a very valuable commodity and can be recycled continuously without losing its structure.
instead: Be Cool is a sequel that chooses to recycle instead of reinvent.

Adjective complement

more: This guide aims to draw together the main ideas on how to recycle more in business.
easy: Bournemouth's Blue Bag scheme really does make recycling easy!

Used with why or when

where: Waste is recycled where possible and garden waste is shredded and used as mulch for the orchards.
when: It's not hard to make a case for composting and recycling when it's cheaper than putting waste in the dustbin.

Preposition: of

waste: Recycling of household wastes has been increasing during recent years to about 61 % .
plastic: It is clear that recycling of plastics needs to be investigated urgently.

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