- recycling
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to put used objects or materials through a special process, so that they can be used again:
• We recycle all our cans and bottles.
• Environmentalists have attacked the material because it doesn't recycle as well as steel.
— recyclable adjective :• recyclable materials
— recycled adjective :• recycled paper
— recycling noun [uncountable] :• a metals recycling plant
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recycling UK US /ˌriːˈsaɪklɪŋ/ noun [U]► ENVIRONMENT the activity of treating materials or products using a special industrial process so that they can be used again: »Investment in the areas of alternative energy, pollution, and recycling has risen sharply.
»Much of our waste is sent to India and China for recycling.
recycling of sth »Recycling of raw materials and energy resources reduces the cost of production.
»Germany and Scandinavia are world leaders in terms of recycling technologies.
»a recycling business/company/industry
»recycling centers/plants/facilities
»a recycling program/scheme/system
»waste/plastic/metal recycling
► the use of money for a different purpose from the one it as originally intended for: »The recycling of oil wealth from Middle East producers can have an adverse effect on global financial markets.
Financial and business terms. 2012.