récupérable

Récupérable is a French adjective that translates to "recoverable" or "salvageable" in English. It describes something that can be brought back to a usable state or retrieved after being lost, damaged, or discarded. The term is frequently used in contexts related to recycling, waste management, and the restoration of damaged property.

In environmental discussions, "récupérable" often refers to materials that can be collected and reprocessed into new products, thereby reducing the need for virgin resources and minimizing landfill waste. This can include items like paper, plastic, glass, and metal. The concept is central to the principles of a circular economy, aiming to keep resources in use for as long as possible.

Beyond materials, "récupérable" can also apply to situations where something that was thought to be lost or beyond repair can be retrieved or fixed. For instance, data on a damaged hard drive might be described as "récupérable" if it can be restored. Similarly, a building that has suffered damage might have structural elements that are still "récupérable" for reconstruction. The core idea is the possibility of regaining something that would otherwise be considered gone.