The main difference between upcycle and recycle is that upcycling creates something new from the waste in its current state, whereas recycling creates something new by destructing the waste.
Upcycle and recycle are two ways to reuse materials. Both processes are essential for going green and reducing carbon footprint.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Upcycle
– Definition, Facts, Features
2. What is Recycle
– Definition, Facts, Features
3. Similarities Between Upcycle and Recycle
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Upcycle and Recycle
– Comparison of Key Differences
5. FAQ – Upcycle and Recycle
– Answers to frequently asked questions
Key Terms
Upcycle, Recycle
What is Upcycle
Upcycle is a process of making something new and valuable from waste that is no longer needed. For example, a gall source jar can be upcycled as a desk tidy or make-up brush storage. Therefore, upcycling is a creative process. It involves taking an item that would otherwise be wasted to improve it in some way to make it useful again. Frequently, it repurposes an item to serve an entirely different function. However, there are limitations when upcycling items. Because broken items become dangerous to use and may contain hazardous materials such as toxic forms.
Figure 1: Upcycling Cans as a Chair
What is Recycle
Recycling is converting old or broken-down materials into new materials that can be used for other products. Cans, plastic, paper, and metal can be recycled. The main benefit of recycling includes reducing pollution. Other benefits include saving energy for mining, conserving resources, and long-distance transportation. Recyclables can be collected from your home, workplace, or a council-run recycling center. After sorting into different materials, recyclables are broken down into small pieces and processed into new raw materials.
Figure 2: The Symbol of Recycle
Similarities Between Upcycle and Recycle
- Upcycle and recycling are two processes of reusing materials.
- They are essential for going green and reducing carbon footprint.
- Both processes conserve the environment.
- They reform a product into a new product.
Difference Between Upcycle and Recycle
Definition
Upcycle refers to reuse (discarded objects or material) in such a way as to create a product of higher quality or value than the original. In contrast, recycling refers to converting (waste) into reusable material.
Significance
Upcycling creates something new from the waste in its current state, while recycling destroys the waste to create a new form.
Type
Upcycling is unlimited available usage of raw materials, while recycling is limited to public usage.
Importance
Upcycling provides better quality, unique designs, handmade, and limited editions, while recycling requires a process to break down the original materials.
FAQ: Upcycle and Recycle
What is the difference between recycling and repurposing?
Recycling is converting something into a totally different item that can be used again. In comparison, repurposing is taking something and converting it into a usable item with a different purpose.
What is the difference between recycled art and upcycled art?
The two general forms of recycled art include upcycled art and downcycled art. Both are complementary processes that use recycled materials in opposite ways. Upcycled art uses trash and converts it into beautiful and meaningful art.
What is an example of repurposing?
Converting an old building into a new one is an example of repurposing. Also, repurposing an old gasoline engine-powered car into an electric car is another example of repurposing.
Conclusion
In brief, upcycling and recycling are two processes to reuse materials. They are important to going green and reducing carbon footprint. Upcycle is the process of creating something new from the waste in its current state. Also, it provides better quality, unique designs, handmade, and limited editions. In comparison, recycling is creating something new by destroying the waste. Importantly, it requires the breaking down of original material. Therefore, the main difference between upcycling and recycling is the type of waste.
References:
- What is upcycling?. Habitat for Humanity. (n.d.)
- What is Recycling & What to Recycle. WM. (n.d.).
Image Courtesy:
- “Cans repurposed as a chair in Brazil” By Krdan – Own Work (CC BY SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
- “Recycling symbol” By Victorgrigas – Own Work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
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