# recycle

Pronunciation: say "ree-SY-kuhl" US /ɹəˈsaɪkəl/, UK /ˌɹiːˈsaɪkəl/

## Verb

1. To break something down into its component materials and reuse those materials.
   - Simple: To break down used materials so they can be made into new things.
   - _Modern facilities recycle aluminum cans into fresh sheet metal._
   - _The company recycled tons of scrap steel last year._
2. To collect items or place them in a bin designated for recycling.
   - Simple: To put items into a special bin so they can be reused.
   - _Most households now recycle cardboard and glass separately._
   - _He recycled the packaging instead of throwing it away._
3. To get rid of something by tossing it into a recycling bin rather than the trash. *(US)*
   - Simple: To throw something away by putting it into a recycling bin.
   - _Americans often recycle soda cans straight from the kitchen counter._
   - _She recycled the broken packaging without a second thought._
4. To use something again in its entirety, such as an idea, joke, or piece of writing.
   - Simple: To use something old again just as it is, like an idea or a joke.
   - _The studio recycled the same plot for three different movies._
   - _Politicians recycle old slogans whenever an election approaches._
5. To undergo recycling; to be processed so that the material can be used again.
   - Simple: To be collected and made into something new.
   - _Clean cardboard recycles well in most facilities._
   - _Some plastics simply do not recycle._
7. To put a person through a course of training a second time. *(US)*
   - Simple: To send a person through a training course again.
   - _The base recycled several trainees who missed the qualifying standard._
   - _Officials sometimes recycle candidates rather than dismiss them outright._
8. In roller derby, to skate toward the back of the engagement zone in order to maximize the time an opposing jammer must spend before rejoining the action.
   - Simple: In roller derby, to skate to the back so you slow down the other team's point-scorer.
   - _Experienced blockers recycle whenever the opposing jammer breaks through too quickly._
   - _She recycled toward the rear to keep the jammer from scoring again._

## Noun

6. A single instance of processing materials so that they can be used again.
   - Simple: A single time when materials are processed to be used again.
   - _Each recycle of the aluminum reduces the energy needed for new production._
   - _The system allows several recycles within a single shift._

## Origin

Formed from the prefix re- combined with cycle.

Source: DictionaryAI, https://dictionaryai.com/define/recycle (written from Wiktionary data, CC BY-SA 4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).