Porto Velho launches Recicla Pay to reward recycling with Pix payments

Porto Velho has implemented a new recycling incentive program called Recicla Pay, utilizing Retorna Machine technology from Ambipar Triciclo. Through a partnership between the Porto Velho City Hall and various municipal secretariats, the initiative allows residents to deposit recyclable materials and convert them into financial benefits via Pix.

To participate, residents must register through the Ambipar Triciclo mobile application. Users deposit items such as plastic bottles, aluminum cans, steel packaging, glass, and long-life cartons into specialized machines. These deposits earn credits known as Tricoins. For example, aluminum cans yield 15 Tricoins, plastic bottles and steel packaging yield 10, and glass or long-life containers yield 5. Once a user accumulates 150 Tricoins, they can convert them into R$ 1 via Pix.

The machines are currently located at four strategic points in the capital: the Municipal Environment Secretariat (Sema) building, the Central Market, the Municipal Bus Terminal, and Praça CEU. The program aims to promote environmental education, simplify selective waste collection, and strengthen reverse logistics within the city.