How to Recycle in Arc Raiders

The recycling system in Arc Raiders serves as a cornerstone mechanic that bridges the gap between extraction runs and base-building progression. Rather than letting unwanted items gather dust in storage or missing out on potential materials, the recycling system allows Raiders to convert surplus loot into the fundamental building blocks needed for survival topside.

Understanding the recycling system in Arc Raiders

Recycling in Arc Raiders functions as a dismantling process that breaks down equipment, gear, and various items into their component parts. When an item gets recycled, it yields specific basic materials based on what the item originally required for crafting. For example, recycling an ARC Thermo Lining provides Metal Parts, while recycling a Household Cleaner yields Chemicals.

The system operates on a straightforward principle: complex items break down into simpler materials that can then be used to craft different equipment, weapons, armor, ammunition, and various consumables. This conversion mechanic ensures that no loot goes completely to waste, even items that don't fit current loadout needs.

Basic materials obtained through recycling include Metal Parts, Plastic Parts, Rubber Parts, Fabric, Chemicals, Wires, and various other components. These materials form the foundation of the entire crafting economy in Arc Raiders, making recycling an indispensable part of the progression loop.

How to recycle items step by step

Step 1: Access your inventory

Open the inventory screen by pressing Tab on PC (or the equivalent button on console). This can be done either from the main menu in Speranza, the underground base, or directly while topside during a raid.​

Step 2: Locate the item to recycle

Navigate through the inventory to find items deemed unnecessary for current needs. Items suitable for recycling typically have a "Recyclable" label in their description, indicating they're primarily meant for breaking down or selling.

Step 3: Open the context menu

Click on the selected item to open its context menu. This displays several options for interacting with the item, including the recycle function.

Step 4: Select the recycle option

From the context menu, select the "Recycle" button. This action triggers a confirmation window that previews exactly what materials will be obtained from recycling that specific item.

Step 5: Confirm the recycling action

Review the pop-up window showing the breakdown materials. If satisfied with the conversion, confirm the choice to successfully complete the recycling process and receive the materials into the inventory.

How to decide what to recycle and what to keep

You can’t recycle everything safely. Here’s a decision framework:

1. Check the item’s role in your upgrade path

Before recycling, check what resources your upcoming bench upgrades or crafting recipes require. If an item is listed in those, hold on to it.

The ARC Raiders Wiki provides tables showing which items are required for benches and quests.

2. Recycle duplicates, low-rarity gear, or purely cosmetic items

If you have multiple copies of something, or if it offers little utility, recycling is a good use.

Reddit users suggest, as a rule of thumb: "So I just hang on to at least 3 of just about every item I ever find."

This gives you a buffer against accidentally recycling something later needed for a bench.

3. Prioritize items whose recycled components are more valuable than their sell price

Sometimes the components you get from recycling exceed the item’s monetary value if sold—those are good candidates for recycling. But you’ll have to check the detailed breakdown for each item.

4. Avoid recycling during raids unless necessary

Because of the 50% penalty, only resort to in-raid recycling when:

• You’re out of inventory space
• You’re nearing extraction and want to drop low-tier loot
• You already have full stacks of needed materials

Examples of recyclable items and their yields

To give concrete insight, here are some items listed in the ARC Raiders Wiki that can be recycled:

Use these examples as models: when you see a loot item, look it up in your in-game database or wiki before deciding to recycle or sell.

Recycling in ARC Raiders is more than just trashing loot—it’s converting what you don’t need into what you do. By choosing carefully which items to dismantle, accounting for the in-raid penalty, and keeping some reserves, recycling becomes a strategic tool. Use it smartly, not indiscriminately, and your crafting, upgrades, and scavenging efficiency will all improve.