can be recycled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be recycled" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing materials or products that have the potential to be processed and reused instead of being discarded as waste. Example: "Many types of plastic can be recycled, helping to reduce environmental impact."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Many metals can be recycled – and in some cases, actual recycling rates are already high.

The Guardian

Alternately, they can be recycled to the cell surface via the Rab11-positive recycling endosome.

Plosone

Those, too, can be recycled.

The New York Times

And it can be recycled, which saves trees.

The New York Times

And some of that lithium can be recycled.

The New Yorker

We're making hang tags from paper that can be recycled.

The New York Times

Happily, Curtisland is a place where anything can be recycled.

The Guardian - Film

"Virtually everything put in a mass incinerator can be recycled".

The New York Times

The thermoplastic substrate produced by the team can be recycled.

The Guardian

This leaves 100% paper, which can be recycled.

The Guardian

(Paper can be recycled only about three times before it's no longer high enough quality to use for books; lower quality papers can be recycled about seven times).

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about sustainability, use "can be recycled" to highlight the potential for materials to be processed and reused, promoting a circular economy.

Common error

Avoid assuming all items labeled with a recycling symbol are actually recycled in your local area; check your local recycling guidelines for specific material acceptance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be recycled" functions as a passive construction indicating the potential for an object or material to undergo the recycling process. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is commonly used to describe materials that are suitable for recycling programs.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

34%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can be recycled" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that highlights the recyclability of materials. It appears prominently in news media, scientific articles, and online encyclopedias, reflecting its relevance across various domains. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Alternative expressions such as ""is recyclable"" and "can be repurposed" offer similar meanings with subtle differences. When using "can be recycled", it's crucial to understand the local recycling guidelines to ensure proper disposal and processing. Overall, the phrase serves as an important tool in promoting environmental awareness and sustainable practices.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is recyclable

A more concise way of saying something has the potential to be recycled.

can be repurposed

Focuses on finding a new use for something instead of processing it back into raw materials.

can be reclaimed

Highlights the act of retrieving something for reuse.

is amenable to recycling

A more formal way to indicate that something is suitable for recycling processes.

can be recovered

Emphasizes the retrieval of materials from waste streams.

can be processed for reuse

Highlights the action of processing something so that it is reusable.

is suitable for recycling

Indicates the fitness of a material for the recycling process.

can be transformed into new products

Focuses on the outcome of the recycling process—the creation of new items.

can be given a second life

A more metaphorical way of saying something is reused.

can be remanufactured

Specifies that something can be returned to the manufacturer and reworked into a new product.

FAQs

What does "can be recycled" mean?

The phrase "can be recycled" means that a material or product has the potential to be processed and reused instead of being discarded as waste. It indicates that the item is compatible with recycling systems and infrastructure.

What "is recyclable" instead of "can be recycled"?

While "can be recycled" describes the potential for an item to undergo recycling, ""is recyclable"" often implies that the item is designed to be easily recycled. The best phrase depends on whether you want to emphasize the possibility or the design intent.

How does "can be recycled" contribute to environmental sustainability?

Using materials that "can be recycled" reduces landfill waste, conserves natural resources, and lowers energy consumption by decreasing the need for virgin material extraction and processing.

Are there limitations to what "can be recycled"?

Yes, many factors can limit recyclability, including contamination of materials, lack of recycling infrastructure, and the economic viability of recycling certain items. Just because something technically "can be recycled" doesn't guarantee it will be in practice.