precycle

[ pree-sahy-kuhl ]

verb (used without object)

, pre·cy·cled, pre·cy·cling.

1. to make purchasing decisions that will ultimately delay, reduce, or eliminate the need to recycle or dispose of waste:

   One way you can precycle is by buying food in bulk, so there's less packaging to throw away.

verb (used with object)

, pre·cy·cled, pre·cy·cling.

1. to make such purchasing decisions for (goods):

   Precycle your purchases by buying quality products that last longer.

Other Words From

• pre·cycler noun
• pre·cycling noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of precycle¹

First recorded in 1985–90; pre- + (re)cycle

Example Sentences

Then there’s Gérard Bellet, who created a company specifically to precycle liquid goods.

From New York Times