How to Say "Recycling" in French

recyclage

/ʁə.si.klaʒ/masculine

In French, recycling is recyclage.

The word refers to the practice of sorting and collecting waste materials for new use. If you wish to use the verb form, to recycle, use recycler.

Meaning: the practice of sorting and collecting waste materials for new use (noun)

Which one should you use?

While recyclage is the general term, tri sélectif is a specific term used to describe the formal process of sorting waste for recycling purposes.

In Belgium, the term valorisation is sometimes used instead of recyclage to mean recycling.

recyclage is a masculine noun and is typically preceded by the definite article le, as in le recyclage.

The word has 3 syllables and is pronounced /ʁə.si.klaʒ/.

Beyond waste, recycler is used metaphorically in French to describe the act of repurposing an old melody or a creative idea.
French speakers use the word déchèterie to describe the specific recycling centers where people must drive their bulkier waste.
When looking for recycling bins in a French city, you are more likely to see signs for le tri (the sorting) than signs specifically for le recyclage.

Le recyclage à Alger reste modeste.
Recycling in Algiers remains humble.
This sentence discusses the state of recyclage in Algiers.
Tatoeba #11015170 by Micsmithel, translation #8591280 by Amastan
Le recyclage réduit la pollution et les déchets.
Recycling reduces pollution and waste.
This sentence describes how recyclage can reduce pollution and waste.
Tatoeba #2001425 by nimfeo, translation #4877585 by jshholland
Une école est un lieu privilégié pour sensibiliser les gens au recyclage car les élèves font passer le message à la maison.
A school is a very easy place to make people more aware of recycling because the pupils take that message home.
This sentence explains the role of schools in raising awareness about recyclage.
Tatoeba #2144381 by Dreamk33, translation #2144363 by Dreamk33
Le recyclage est essentiel pour la préservation de notre environnement.
Recycling is essential for the preservation of our environment.
Il est crucial de pratiquer le tri sélectif pour maximiser nos efforts de recyclage.
It's crucial to practice waste sorting to maximize our recycling efforts.
T'as pensé au recyclage pour ces bouteilles vides?
Have you thought about recycling for these empty bottles?
N'oublie pas de faire le tri avant de jeter!
Don't forget to recycle before throwing away!

Nathan and Emma are discussing waste management at home.

Nathan

Est-ce qu'on a un bac pour le recyclage ?
Do we have a bin for recycling?
Emma

Oui, il est dans la cuisine, Nathan.
Yes, it is in the kitchen, Nathan.
Nathan

Parfait, je vais trier ces bouteilles.
Perfect, I will sort these bottles.
Emma

C'est une bonne idée pour l'environnement.
It's a good idea for the environment.

Sources

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