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Recicla ZN reaches milestone of 10 tons of recyclable waste in the North Zone.
Published on 03/06/2026 - 13:20 | Updated on 03/06/2026 - 13:23
Project by the North Zone II Subprefecture expands environmental and social impact during major events - Press Release In the month that celebrates World Environment Day, the North Zone Subprefecture reached an important milestone with the Recicla ZN project: approximately 10 tons of recyclable waste have already been collected during major events held in the region, in partnership with the Municipal Urban Cleaning Company (Comlurb). The initiative strengthens selective waste collection, contributes to environmental preservation, and generates income for cooperatives accredited to Comlurb.
Launched with an initial focus on large events, Recicla ZN works to ensure the proper disposal of materials such as aluminum cans, cardboard, plastic cups, PET bottles, and glass, which are sorted and sent for recycling. The work, carried out in conjunction with cooperatives registered with Comlurb, benefits approximately 450 cooperative families.
The project's creator, the sub-mayor of the North Zone II, Douglas Araújo, emphasizes that reaching the 10-ton mark represents a concrete step forward in building public policies focused on sustainability and social development.
— Reaching this milestone is a source of pride, but also of responsibility. Ten tons of waste have been diverted from improper disposal and are now generating jobs and income for hundreds of families. In a symbolic month for the environmental agenda, this result reinforces the importance of permanent public policies that reconcile environmental preservation, citizenship, and social development. We are talking about waste that could remain in nature for hundreds of years, but which is now returning to the productive cycle — says Douglas.
The initiative, which began at large events in the Galpão do Engenhão, in Engenho de Dentro, has been expanded to other areas of the North Zone, such as gastronomic hubs, consolidating the project. In the traditional Polo do Baixo Méier, more than 700 kg of recyclable waste were collected in the last two months.
Comlurb's president, Renato Rodrigues, emphasizes the role of the partnership in strengthening the recycling culture in the city.
— Projects like Recicla ZN are fundamental because they ensure that recyclable materials have the correct destination, strengthening the work of cooperatives and encouraging participation in selective collection. It is an action that unites environmental preservation, social inclusion and public awareness — highlights Renato.
Comlurb currently has a dedicated structure for Selective Collection, with 13 collection trucks and three cage trucks operating in the service. The collected material is destined for waste picker cooperatives, responsible for separating and selling recyclable waste.
Beyond the environmental impact, Recicla ZN seeks to stimulate a cultural shift regarding the proper disposal of waste, leveraging the North Zone and the city of Rio's vocation for hosting large public gatherings and events.
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