Recycling Industry Terminology
Upcycle up·cy·cle /ˈəpˌsīkəl/ verb:
To re-use discarded hardware in such a way as to create a new product or otherwise increase the value and useability of the discarded device or components of the device.
The process of transforming discarded or unwanted products into new goods perceived to be of greater value, such as artistic value or environmental value.
“The opportunity to upcycle discarded electronics, salvaging components for re-use in manufacturing, is vast”
Recycle re·cy·cle /rēˈsīk(ə)l/ verb:
To convert discarded hardware into reusable material.
“The old laptops were recycled, not sent to the landfill”
To put a discarded device back into use.
“The old hard drives were recycled and placed into refurbished computers”
Reuse verb /rēˈyo͞oz/ verb:
To use again
“The used modems were sent to a developing market for reuse”
Refine re·fine /rəˈfīn/ verb:
To remove impurities via a clean industrial process whereby desirable metals can be collected for reuse.
“The old circuit boards were refined for their precious metals”
Refurbish re·fur·bish /rēˈfərbiSH/ verb:
To clean and repair a used device so that it is suitable for reuse as a functional piece of hardware.
“The computers were refurbished and made ready for resale”
Reduce re·duce /rəˈd(y)o͞os/ verb:
To make smaller or less in amount, degree, or size.
“Recycling can reduce our impact on the environment”
Circular Economy cir·cu·lar e·con·o·my /ˈsərkyələr əˈkänəmē/ noun:
An economic system focused on eliminating waste and the reuse of resources. Circular systems employ reuse, refurbishment, remanufacturing, and recycling to create a system that maximizes the reuse potential of material. This system thus minimizes the need to continually input and produce new resources, leading to a significant reduction in the creation of waste, pollution, and carbon emissions.
“Harvesting valuable components from used electronics is a key element in building an environmentally friendly circular process”
Carbon Footprint car·bon foot·print /ˌkärbən ˈfo͝otprint/ noun:
A measurement of the overall negative environmental impact due to the amount of carbon compounds created and emitted by a certain person, company, process, etc.
“The company reducing their carbon footprint by investing in better recycling processes”
Sustainability sus·tain·a·bil·i·ty /səˌstānəˈbilədē/ noun:
A measurement of the ability of a process to avoid the depletion of natural resources in order to maintain ecological balance.
“Effective recycling is key to the sustainability of growth in the data center industry”