reciclar
/reθiˈklaɾ/
The Spanish verb for 'recycle' is reciclar.
reciclar is used to express the action of breaking down and reusing component materials.
Meaning: to break down and reuse component materials (verb)
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the infinitive with a direct object pronoun, the pronoun is attached to the end of the word. If you are recycling a masculine object, use reciclarlo. If you are recycling a feminine object, such as la botella, use reciclarla.
How do you pronounce it?
/reθiˈklaɾ/
Did you know?
- In some Latin American contexts, people may use the phrase darle una segunda vida to describe the act of recycling an object through creative repurposing.
- The word reciclar can be used metaphorically in a professional context to describe updating or refreshing a set of skills or a curriculum.
- In some regions, the term reciclaje is used to describe the informal economy of recicladores, people who collect materials from streets to sell to processing centers.
Examples in context
- ¡No tires eso a la basura! Podemos reciclarlo.Don't throw it away. We can recycle it.This sentence shows how to use reciclar with an object pronoun.Tatoeba #1705734 by hayastan, translation #10140941 by DJ_Saidez
- Hoy vamos a enseñar cómo reciclar papel en casa.Today we are going to teach how to recycle paper at home.This sentence is useful for describing the process of recycling paper at home.Tatoeba #1101104 by hayastan, translation #12829711 by Yepthatscool
- Hemos empezado a reciclar periódicos.We have started to recycle newspapers.This sentence shows the use of reciclar in the context of newspapers.Tatoeba #816611 by darinmex, translation #248909 by CC
- Es importante reciclar los materiales para proteger el medio ambiente.It is important to recycle materials to protect the environment.
- Si todos hiciéramos reciclaje, reduciríamos la cantidad de basura.If everyone recycled, we would reduce the amount of waste.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Mateo are sorting through the trash in their kitchen.
- SofíaMateo, ¿podemos reciclar estas botellas de plástico?Mateo, can we recycle these plastic bottles?
- MateoSí, hay que reciclar todo el plástico.Yes, we have to recycle all the plastic.
- SofíaEs importante reciclar para ayudar al planeta.It is important to recycle to help the planet.
- MateoTienes razón, Sofía. Yo lo haré.You are right, Sofía. I will do it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “recycle” translations and entries reciclar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
