# Actions: recycle and burn

Recycle or burn alpha you hold with Taostats Actions.

_Source: https://taostats.io/docs/understanding-taostats/taostats-actions/recycle-burn_

_Last reviewed: 2026-10-28_

Recycling and burning remove alpha from your position for good. Subnet owners and holders use them to reduce supply, for example in a buyback. [Open Recycle/Burn](https://taostats.io/pro/actions/recycle-burn).

For the difference between the two, see [Recycling](https://taostats.io/docs/concepts/tokenomics/recycling) and [Burning](https://taostats.io/docs/concepts/tokenomics/burning).

> [!NOTE]
> **Paid plan**
>
> Anyone can open an action, fill it in and review the transaction. Signing and submitting requires a paid Taostats plan. Compare plans on [Billing](https://taostats.io/pro/billing), or see [Plans](https://taostats.io/docs/understanding-taostats/taostats-pro/your-taostats-account#plans).

## Actions

### [Recycle Alpha](https://taostats.io/pro/actions/recycle-burn/recycle-alpha)

Returns alpha to the subnet, where it goes back into future emissions. The alpha leaves your position and cannot be recovered.

[Taostats Actions: Recycle Alpha](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hyx4qhYLLpE)

### [Burn Alpha](https://taostats.io/pro/actions/recycle-burn/burn-alpha)

Destroys alpha, removing it from circulating supply. This cannot be undone.

[Taostats Actions: Burn Alpha](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHGPSjAUKRM)

Subnet owners can also buy alpha with TAO and burn it in one step, or send miner emission to be burned or recycled automatically. See [Subnet Owner](https://taostats.io/docs/understanding-taostats/taostats-actions/subnet-owner#owner-cut-and-buybacks).

> [!TIP]
> **Sign as a proxy**
>
> Every action on this page has a **Complete as proxy wallet** switch. Turn it on to sign with your connected wallet on behalf of a wallet that made yours its proxy. See [Proxies](https://taostats.io/docs/understanding-taostats/taostats-actions/proxies#sign-as-a-proxy-wallet).