MetaReciclagem is not an independent collective. MetaReciclagem is not (and as for today never needed to be) a formal NGO—even though it is effectively an organization that is both nongovernmental and nonprofit. MetaReciclagem does not define a group of people, but is instead a name that some people use to identify and refer to an open methodology about the re-appropriation of technology to foster social transformation in different parts of Brazil.

The concept encompasses various forms of action: the rebirth of donated computers into recycled labs using free software and the creation of environments through the Internet where information circulates freely, as well as every type of experimentation and strategic and operational support for socially engaged projects. MetaReciclagem becomes concrete in three kinds of instances:

1) Spores are physical labs where people develop MetaReciclagem, both in technical and theoretical aspects. Since 2002, nearly ten different spores have been created in different cities.

2) MetaReciclagem online infrastructure is the environment where conversations about MetaReciclagem take place.

3) ConecTAZes are permanent or temporary labs that “benefit” from MetaReciclagem actions. They range from a low-tech paper-and-pencil collaboration workshop to a Linux InstallFest or a video installation in an arts festival. ConecTAZes often (but not always) become or generate independent multimedia telecenters.

Running across all the three levels of MetaReciclagem are some special projects that require resources from more than one spore or that consist of plenty of ConecTAZes. Examples are the development of Brazilian Ministry of Culture's Cultural Points (600 multimedia centers spread around the country), the Ministry of Communication's GESAC program (satellite internet access) or the Casas Brazil project (90 expanded telecenters, with multimedia infrastructure and computer recycling labs).

MetaReciclagem is deeply related to different kinds of local context in Brazil: from projects based on the paradigm of digital inclusion to ones related to multimedia production and art interventions. Members of MetaReciclagem often provide the infrastructure for artistic interventions or collective celebrations (a.k.a. parties).