Two of the nine waste cooperatives that BVRio is supporting in service improvements have started to receive critical logistics upgrades, including new collection trucks and equipment, and training to digitise waste flow.
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. We have started working closely with three cooperatives—Coopama, CoopIdeal, and Recria—who were ready to implement these investments. BVRio has assisted CoopIdeal and Recria in acquiring new trucks, while Coopama will receive investments in equipment to optimise sorting processes, in addition to civil and electrical works to install a horizontal press.
For CoopIdeal, the new truck has significantly increased its capacity to collect larger volumes and higher-value materials such as furniture. “The truck arrived at the perfect time; we have been receiving a lot of furniture. This has boosted our productivity, and we are getting good prices for these materials. We used to have only one truck, which had high maintenance costs. Purchasing a new, more efficient truck has reduced expenses, increased turnover, and improved both productivity and support for our members.” Ana Carla, CoopIdeal’s leader.
To further enhance operational efficiency, BVRio has begun supporting cooperatives in digitising their record-keeping through the KOLEKT waste management app. Last week, BVRio’s Circular Economy Specialist, Maria Accioly, initiated training sessions for CoopIdeal’s drivers and management team. Ana Carla mentioned that each truck will be equipped with a dedicated smartphone and an assistant to register all collected materials. 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 is also working with the cooperative Ecco Ponto to test new equipment, such as a shredder, before committing to a full-scale purchase. At the same time, we are accelerating efforts with other cooperatives to ensure they benefit from the investments, while continuing to explore opportunities to include more cooperatives and expand the project’s impact.
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.
