Recycling

Recycling is the process of collecting, processing, and reusing materials that would otherwise be discarded as waste to create new products. It is a component of waste management and a key practice in the circular economy. It differs from reuse, which involves using items again for the same purpose, and from composting, which handles organic materials.

The recycling process typically begins with collection and sorting to separate materials by type and contamination levels. Materials are cleaned, processed into standardized feedstocks, and manufactured into new products. Some items are recycled in a closed loop, meaning the material can be repeatedly recycled into the same product, while others are downcycled into lower-grade products.

Commonly recycled materials include metals such as aluminum and steel; paper and cardboard; glass; and plastics such as PET and HDPE. Electronics, batteries, and textiles can also be recycled through specialized programs. The quality of recycled material and the viability of recycling depend on contamination control and market demand.

Benefits include reduced demand for virgin resources, energy savings in production, and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Recycling can extend the lifespan of materials and reduce waste sent to landfills and incinerators, which can conserve space and reduce pollution.

Challenges include contamination from improper disposal, fluctuating commodity prices, and limited recycling infrastructure. Some materials are difficult to recycle or lose quality in the recycling loop. Policy measures, consumer education, and improved technology are used to enhance recycling rates and performance.