What is the process called where waste products are broken down to be reused as raw materials?

The correct answer is recycling. This process involves the breaking down of waste products to be transformed and reused as raw materials in the production of new items. During recycling, materials such as plastics, metals, and paper are collected, sorted, and then processed to create new products. This not only reduces the amount of waste that goes to landfills but also conserves natural resources by diminishing the need for raw materials, thereby fostering a more sustainable approach to consumption and production.

Composting, on the other hand, specifically refers to the decomposition of organic waste, such as food scraps and yard waste, into nutrient-rich soil additives, rather than repurposing materials into new products. Reusing involves finding new ways for items to serve a function without processing them for raw materials, while disposing simply refers to throwing waste away, without any intention of recovering materials for further use. These distinctions highlight why recycling is the appropriate term for the process described in the question.