The next in our series looking at the impact of additional funding on CAH projects, we meet CoopGaleão, a project operating in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The Cooperative conducts solid waste collection and sorting in Rio de Janeiro city. They operate from a rented warehouse where they collect and sort approximately 40 tons of solid waste per month (a reduced number due to the pandemic) including plastics, paper, glass, cartons, and metals, from which around 95% is directed to recycling. With further financial support they could reach over 60 tons per month (over 720 per year).
With the funding received from BVRio, many improvements were made. According to the president of Coopgaleão, Carlos Eduardo de Oliveira Félix, they included the transport of a conveyor belt they have on loan, which has been assembled and is now being renovated for use. They have also made improvements to staff welfare including the purchase of a microwave for hot lunches. The funding has also enabled the cooperative to provide additional income to staff and to create an essential maintenance fund for the equipment.
“With funding we have been able to lease a conveyor belt to help with operations.”
