Salvage refers to the process of recovering valuable items from damaged or discarded materials. This can include anything from shipwrecks to old buildings, where items like furniture, artifacts, or metals are retrieved for reuse or resale. Salvage operations often aim to minimize waste and promote sustainability by repurposing materials that would otherwise be thrown away. In maritime contexts, salvage specifically involves recovering a ship or its cargo after an accident. Salvors, the professionals who perform this work, may use specialized equipment to retrieve items from the sea floor. Successful salvage can help owners recover losses and preserve historical artifacts, contributing to both economic and cultural value.