reciclaje
/reθiˈklaxe/
The English word "recycling" is translated into Spanish as reciclaje.
reciclaje is a masculine noun that refers to the practice of sorting and collecting waste materials for new use.
Meaning: the practice of sorting and collecting waste materials for new use (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the term reciclaje is the predominant way to refer to recycling.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun reciclaje is derived from the verb reciclar, which means "to recycle".
How do you pronounce it?
/reθiˈklaxe/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cities, reciclaje is closely tied to the cultural figure of the reciclador, an informal worker who collects materials long before municipal systems existed.
- The suffix -aje used in reciclaje has roots in Old French and Latin-derived patterns, which is why it sounds similar to English words ending in '-age' like 'garage' or 'package'.
- In some Latin American countries, you may hear separación de residuos used alongside reciclaje because sorting is seen as a distinct social habit from the industrial act of recycling.
Examples in context
- Estoy comprometido/a con el reciclajeI am committed to recycling
- Reciclar es fundamental para el medio ambienteRecycling is essential for the environment
- Hay que separar los residuosWe should separate the waste
- ¿Dónde puedo reciclar?Where can I recycle?
- ¿Qué materiales se pueden reciclar aquí?What materials can be recycled here?
- ¿Cuál es el proceso de reciclaje?What is the recycling process?
- El reciclaje de papel es importante.Paper recycling is important.
- El reciclaje es muy importante para el medio ambiente.Recycling is very important for the environment.
- Debemos mejorar el sistema de reciclaje en la ciudad.We must improve the recycling system in the city.
- Ella aprendió sobre el reciclaje en la escuela.She learned about recycling at school.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are talking about their household waste.
- Alejandro¿Tú separas la basura para el reciclaje?Do you sort the trash for recycling?
- ElenaSí, Alejandro, siempre separo el plástico y el papel.Yes, Alejandro, I always sort the plastic and paper.
- AlejandroQué bueno, es una excelente costumbre.That's good, it is an excellent habit.
- ElenaEs necesario para ayudar al planeta.It is necessary to help the planet.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “recycling” translations and entries reciclaje, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries reciclaje, CC BY-SA 4.0.
