recycle

Everyday

1. To recycle something is to collect it after use so it can be broken down and made into something new, like turning old bottles into new ones. tree →
2. To recycle is also to use something again, for the same or a new purpose, instead of throwing it away. tree →
3. To recycle an idea or joke is to use it again, often when it is no longer fresh. tree →

In the lessons

In science and everyday life it is part of «reduce, reuse, recycle»: paper, cardboard, glass, metal cans and some plastics go in the recycling bin, which saves materials, energy and space in landfill. At school pupils sort rubbish into bins. Phrases: «recycle bin», «recycled paper», «recycling centre», «reduce, reuse, recycle».

Examples

• We recycle our cans and bottles every week. tree →
• This notebook is made from recycled paper. tree →
• Rinse the yogurt pot before you recycle it. tree →
• Glass can be recycled again and again. tree →
• Our class recycled old boxes into a castle model. tree →
• Batteries must not go in the normal bin; take them to be recycled. tree →
• Not all plastic can be recycled. tree →
• He recycled the same joke from last year. tree →

Note

Regular verb: recycled, recycling. «Recycling» is also a noun (see recycling). Recycling is not the same as reusing: reusing keeps the object as it is; recycling breaks it down to make a new thing. Dirty or greasy items (like a pizza box with oil) often cannot be recycled.