Seven smart machines at Rio’s Sambadrome turn cans and bottles into PIX credit during parades. Initiative combines popular celebration with circular economy.
Between February 13 and 21, revelers passing through Marquês de Sapucaí will be able to transform discarded packaging into direct bank deposits. The initiative brings Retorna Machines — equipment that converts recyclable waste into financial benefits — to the heart of Rio’s Carnival.
The project by Ambipar in partnership with IFeS RJ (Fecomércio Sustainability Institute) distributes machines at strategic points: three on the even side, three on the odd side, and one at the Sesc box. The solution aims to combine Brazil’s largest popular celebration with circular economy and conscious disposal.
How the exchange works
The Retorna Machines accept aluminum cans, PET bottles, steel packaging, glass, and Tetra Pak. Each deposited item generates Tricoins, credits that can be converted into money via PIX, transportation vouchers, mobile top-ups, service discounts, or donations to social projects.
The conversion is straightforward: every 150 Tricoins equals R$ 1 (approximately $0.17 USD), with PIX withdrawal available up to three times daily. In practice, 10 aluminum cans or 15 PET bottles already guarantee the minimum amount for withdrawal.
Carnival concentrates one of the largest volumes of waste generated in just a few days. Bringing this technology to Sapucaí shows that it’s possible to unite celebration, popular mobilization, and environmental responsibility, with direct returns for citizens Felipe Nassar Cury, Post-Consumer Head at Ambipar
Environmental and social impact
All collected material will be sent to IFeS RJ partner cooperatives, strengthening the local recycling chain and promoting income generation. The initiative ensures packaging returns to the production chain with traceability, expanding the social impact.
Equipment managed by IFeS has already enabled the recycling of over 30 tons of packaging. Now, the technology arrives at the Sambadrome to scale the model during one of Rio de Janeiro’s most waste-generating events.
Environmental care combined with circular economy incentives has already provided recycling of over 30 tons of packaging in equipment managed by IFeS, nothing fairer than bringing this benefit to the planet’s biggest celebration Antonio Florencio de Queiroz Junior, President of Sistema Fecomércio RJ
Service
When: February 13 to 21 (including Champions Parade)
Where: Sambadrome Marquês de Sapucaí
How it works: Every 150 Tricoins equals R$ 1. The amount can be redeemed via PIX up to three times daily. In practice, 10 aluminum cans or 15 PET bottles already guarantee the minimum conversion value.
Photo: Disclosure
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