title: Empty an ArrayList or just create a new one and let the old one be garbage collected?
body: <p>What are the advantages and disadvantages of emptying a collection (in my case its an ArrayList) vs creating a new one (and letting the garbage collector clear the old one).</p>
  
  <p>Specifically, I have an <code>ArrayList&lt;Rectangle&gt;</code> called <code>list</code>. When a certain condition occurs, I need to empty <code>list</code> and refill it with other contents. Should I call <code>list.clear()</code> or just make a new <code>ArrayList&lt;Rectangle&gt;</code> and let the old one be garbage collected? What are the pros and cons of each approach?</p>