Digital waste tracking introduced to Cooperatives in Rio de Janeiro

Two of the nine waste cooperatives that BVRio is helping to professionalise in Rio de Janeiro have started receiving support to digitise their waste flow through the Kolekt app. 

Since the beginning of this project phase in August 2024, BVRio has conducted technical visits to all cooperatives involved to assess their needs and enhance productivity. It has started working closely with three cooperatives - Coopama, CoopIdeal, and Recria - who were ready to implement these investments. 

To further enhance operational efficiency, BVRio is supporting cooperatives in digitising their record-keeping through the KOLEKT app. Ana Carla, CoopIdeal’s leader, plans to equip each collection truck with a dedicated smartphone and an assistant to register all collected materials. Last week, BVRio Circular Economy Specialist, Maria Accioly, initiated training sessions for CoopIdeal’s drivers and management team. The cooperative has already successfully registered collections from large waste generators, including a hospital and a government building. This month, BVRio expects to introduce KOLEKT to another cooperative, CoopVerde.

BVRio’s circular strategy focuses on strengthening waste picker cooperatives, transforming them into structured and professional waste management organisations that contribute to the recycling sector. In Brazil, many cooperatives currently operate informally, without the ability to issue invoices, relying on basic sorting facilities and handling limited volumes of recyclables. BVRio provides targeted support by facilitating access to financial resources, business training, and improved infrastructure, helping these cooperatives grow into efficient, legally compliant organisations with greater capacity and safer working conditions.

Read more about this project on BVRio’s website