Recyclables Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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recyclables

[rɪˈsaɪ.klə.bəlz ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

environmental protection

Materials that can be processed and used again rather than thrown away, such as glass, paper, plastic, and metal.

Synonyms

reclaimable items, recycled goods, reusable materials.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
recyclables	This term is best used when talking about items that can be processed and turned into new products. It is often used in the context of waste management and environmental conservation. Please place all recyclables in the blue bin. The city has improved its recyclables collection program.
reusable materials	Use this phrase when talking about materials that can be used multiple times before being discarded. It is often used in environmental contexts and discussions about reducing waste. Switching to reusable materials can significantly reduce waste. Many stores now sell bags made from reusable materials.
recycled goods	This term is used when talking about products that have already been processed from waste materials into new items. It is common in the context of shopping, production, and industries focused on sustainability. She prefers to buy recycled goods whenever possible. The company prides itself on using recycled goods in their manufacturing process.
reclaimable items	Use this phrase when referring to items that can be recovered or repurposed, often in the context of sustainability and resource management. Old electronics are often considered reclaimable items. Many parts of this machine are reclaimable items.

Examples of usage

Recycling centers accept recyclables such as cans, bottles, and newspapers.
Some cities provide separate bins for recyclables to encourage recycling.
Recyclables are collected by waste management companies and sent to recycling facilities.
People are encouraged to sort their recyclables to make recycling more efficient.
Recyclables help reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

History

The practice of recycling dates back to ancient civilizations, such as the Romans, who would melt down metal objects to reuse them.
During World War II, recycling became a patriotic duty in the U.S. to conserve materials for the war effort.

Environmental Impact

Recycling helps reduce the amount of waste in landfills, which can save land and lower pollution.
It can significantly decrease energy usage; recycling aluminum saves up to 95% of the energy needed to create new aluminum from raw materials.

Types of Materials

Common recyclables include paper, cardboard, glass, metals, and certain plastics marked with specific recycling codes.
Not everything can be recycled; items like dirty pizza boxes or mixed materials often end up in the trash.

Cultural Practices

Countries like Sweden and Germany have implemented effective recycling programs, leading to them recycling over 50% of their waste.
In Japan, there are strict sorting rules for recyclables, which fosters a strong sense of community responsibility towards waste management.

Science and Technology

Modern recycling processes often use advanced technologies, like optical sorting, to separate materials more efficiently.
Research is ongoing to discover new methods to recycle materials that traditionally have low recovery rates, such as certain plastics.

Origin of 'recyclables'

The concept of recyclables dates back to ancient times when people reused materials to reduce waste and conserve resources. The modern recycling movement gained momentum in the 1970s as a response to environmental concerns and the need for sustainable practices. Today, recycling is an essential part of waste management strategies worldwide, aiming to minimize the impact of human activities on the environment.