While “recycling” refers to the process of converting waste materials into new, reusable parts of that material, “downcycling”refers to a particular form of recycling where the resulting product is of a lower value than the original product.  Some argue that many recyclable materials slowly breakdown, or lose value, with each reuse.  Rubber is an example of waste that degrades each time it is reused, whereas glass, paper and aluminum can be reused with little change in durability or usabillty.  Plastic is continually downcycled until it is rendered completely useless for recycling, and is most often disposed in a landfill.

Like all forms of recycling, downcycling can help to keep materials in use, reduce consumption of raw materials, and avoid energy usage, greenhouse gas emissions, and air and water pollution attributable to primary production and resource extraction.

Both forms include reusing waste instead of throwing the waste away, as in a landfill.  Such reuse offers benefits to communities, the economy and the environment.

Some further ideas to explore on downcycling

Are microplastics the result of downcycling plastics?

Are fabrics subject to downcycling or recycling or both.

Compare the benefits of downcycling vs recycling

Sources:

“Recycling Basics and Benefits,” US Environmental Protection Agency bit.ly/4dNd9qQ

“Downcycling,” Merriam-Webster Dictionary bit.ly/4kfep8i

Andrew Krosofsky, “What Is Downcycling?’, Green Matters bit.ly/4dEJkIW

“The Difference Between Upcycling, Recycling and Downcycling,” alterist (14 Feb 2023).  bit.ly/4jvCLJL