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'.
ペットボトルはリサイクルに出してください。
Please put out PET bottles for recycling.
この町はリサイクルに力を入れている。
This town puts effort into recycling.
A more formal term for recycling, often used in official or technical contexts. Literally 'regeneration use'.
資源の再生利用を促進する必要がある。
We need to promote the recycling of resources.
Refers specifically to 'reuse' rather than material recycling. Part of the 3Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle).
リデュース、リユース、リサイクルが大切です。
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.
学校でリサイクル活動を行っています。
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).
ゴミの分別にご協力ください。
Please cooperate with garbage separation.
Literally 'resource collection', often used for community-based recycling collection of items like newspapers, cans, etc.
毎週火曜日は資源回収の日です。
Every Tuesday is resource collection day.
To express the action of recycling a specific item.
The standard way to say 'to recycle something'. The object is marked with を.
古新聞をリサイクルする。
I recycle old newspapers.
この瓶はリサイクルできますか？
Can this bottle be recycled?
Means 'to regenerate' or 'to recycle' in a more technical sense, often for materials like paper or plastic.
廃プラスチックを再生する技術。
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.
リサイクルは環境にとって大切です。
Recycling is important for the environment.
リサイクルできるものは分別してください。
Please separate your recyclables.