Recycles

Recycles is the process of converting waste materials into new products to prevent waste, conserve natural resources, and reduce pollution. Recycling is often undertaken as part of broader waste-management systems and is encouraged under many environmental policies. Materials commonly recycled include paper and cardboard, glass, metals such as steel and aluminum, and many plastics. The efficiency and feasibility of recycling vary by material, technology, and local market demand; some plastics are technically recyclable but may be difficult to collect or separate by type.

The recycling process typically begins with collection and sorting, followed by cleaning and processing to produce a material that can be used as a feedstock. Mechanical recycling involves shredding and re-melting materials into new products, while chemical recycling breaks polymers down to basic chemicals or monomers for re-use. Some materials can be downcycled into lower-value products, while others can be upcycled into higher-value goods. Energy use and emissions in recycling often depend on the material and the efficiency of the local facilities; recycling can save energy compared with producing virgin materials, especially for metal and glass.

Public participation, collection methods (such as source separation or single-stream recycling), and infrastructure influence recycling rates. Contamination from non-recyclables can reduce quality and increase processing costs. Economic factors, commodity prices, and policy incentives also affect the viability of recycling programs. In a broader sense, recycling is a component of the circular economy, which aims to keep materials in use for as long as possible.