Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of recycling is commonly expressed with the loanword リサイクル, but there are also native terms for specific types of recycling and related environmental actions.
To talk about recycling in general, such as household waste separation or environmental efforts.
The most common and versatile term for recycling. Used as a noun or with する to mean 'to recycle'.
Please put out PET bottles for recycling.
This town puts effort into recycling.
A more formal term for recycling, often used in official or technical contexts. Literally 'regeneration use'.
We need to promote the recycling of resources.
Refers specifically to 'reuse' rather than material recycling. Part of the 3Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle).
Reduce, reuse, recycle is important.
To discuss recycling habits, systems, or participation in recycling programs.
Refers to recycling activities, often in a community or organizational context.
We are carrying out recycling activities at school.
Means 'sorting' or 'separation' of waste, which is a key part of recycling in Japan. Often used with ゴミ (garbage).
Literally 'resource collection', often used for community-based recycling collection of items like newspapers, cans, etc.
To express the action of recycling a specific item.
The standard way to say 'to recycle something'. The object is marked with を.
I recycle old newspapers.
Can this bottle be recycled?
Means 'to regenerate' or 'to recycle' in a more technical sense, often for materials like paper or plastic.
Technology to recycle waste plastic.
リサイクル is the everyday word for recycling. 再生利用 is more formal and often appears in official documents or environmental policies. In casual conversation, stick with リサイクル.
Recycling in Japan is closely tied to ゴミの分別 (garbage sorting). You'll often see signs and hear announcements about separating burnable, non-burnable, and recyclable waste. Knowing the categories is essential for daily life.
Recycling is important for the environment.
Please separate your recyclables.
ゴミの分別にご協力ください。
Please cooperate with garbage separation.
Every Tuesday is resource collection day.