Porto Velho launches recycling reward machines and school competition

Porto Velho has introduced new recycling initiatives aimed at increasing waste separation and environmental awareness. Four locations—Mercado Central, the Municipal Bus Station, Praça CEU, and the Municipal Environment Secretariat (Sema)—now feature 'Recicla Play' machines.

These machines allow residents to exchange recyclable materials, such as PET bottles, aluminum and steel cans, glass, and various plastics, for digital points called 'Tricoins' via the Ambipar Triciclo app. Users can convert 150 Tricoins into R$ 1 via Pix.

In a separate environmental effort, the 'Gincana Consciência Limpa' organized by the Fundação Rede Amazônica (FRAM) has collected approximately 18,000 recyclable items in its first week. Students from three municipal schools are participating in the competition, which aims to promote environmental education by encouraging the separation of waste at home. The collected materials are being sent to local recycling cooperatives.