recycle_alpha

Call v257 → current #101

Recycles alpha tokens back to subnet pool.

View calls on chain

Call Workflow

recycle_alpha

1. Validation

Signature, nonce, mortality, fees

Signature

Nonce

Mortality

Fee payment

2. Pre-dispatch

Permission & state checks

Permission checks

State validation

3. Dispatch

Execute logic, modify state

AlphaRecycled Alpha TotalHotkeyAlpha TotalHotkeyShares SubnetAlphaOut

+1 more...

4. Post-dispatch

Final result & fee settlement

ExtrinsicSuccess

Fees settled

Svelte Flow

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Used by: stakerssubnet ownersdevelopersvalidators

The Big Picture

Alpha tokens are minted when TAO enters a subnet. recycle_alpha is the reverse - it returns Alpha to the pool without taking TAO out. This improves liquidity for everyone else on the subnet. It's essentially a donation to the subnet's health, forfeiting your Alpha without receiving TAO. Rarely used except by subnet supporters or for error correction.

Why This Matters

Subnets with low Alpha liquidity have worse exchange rates (high slippage). Recycling Alpha improves this for everyone. It's not economically rational for individuals, but subnet owners or foundations might do it to bootstrap or rescue a subnet's liquidity.

Example Scenario

Your subnet 23 has liquidity problems - large stakes cause massive slippage. As the subnet owner, you want to help. Call recycle_alpha(netuid=23, amount=10000). Your 10,000 Alpha returns to the pool. You get nothing back, but the subnet's liquidity improves, reducing slippage for all participants.

Common Questions

Why would anyone recycle instead of selling?: Usually they wouldn't - selling returns TAO. Recycling is for subnet support, error correction, or when you want to help liquidity without taking TAO out.
Does recycling affect Alpha price?: Yes - it increases supply without removing TAO, which can lower the Alpha price. But it also improves liquidity, reducing slippage. Net effect depends on amounts.
Is this like burning?: No - burn_alpha permanently destroys Alpha. recycle_alpha returns it to circulation. Recycling adds to available supply, burning reduces total supply.

Use Cases

Return Alpha to the pool to improve subnet liquidity
Altruistic action to help a subnet you believe in
Correct accidentally received Alpha without market impact
Support subnet health during liquidity crunches

From Chain Metadata

Recycles alpha from a cold/hot key pair, reducing AlphaOut on a subnet

Input Parameters

#	Name	Type	Description
0	hotkey	AccountId	Hot wallet address (active operations) (hex -> SS58)
1	amount	u64	Amount in RAO (÷10⁹ for TAO) (RAO -> TAO (/ 10^9))
2	netuid	u16	Subnet/network identifier (0-65535)

Permissions

Origin

Signed

Required Role

Any

Permission data inferred from metadata. May be incomplete.

Requirements

Account has alpha to recycle
Subnet exists and accepts recycling

Effects

Events Emitted

AlphaRecycled

Storage Modified

Alpha TotalHotkeyAlpha TotalHotkeyShares SubnetAlphaOut RAORecycledForRegistration

Postconditions

Alpha balance decreased
SubnetAlphaOut decreased (more available)
Subnet liquidity pool replenished

Side Effects

Improves alpha supply for subnet
May improve Alpha exchange rates for others

Code Examples

import { ApiPromise, WsProvider } from "@polkadot/api";
import { stringCamelCase } from "@polkadot/util";

const provider = new WsProvider("wss://entrypoint-finney.opentensor.ai:443");
const api = await ApiPromise.create({ provider });

// Build recycle_alpha call
const hotkey = "5GrwvaEF5zXb26Fz9rcQpDWS57CtERHpNehXCPcNoHGKutQY";
const amount = 1_000_000_000n;
const netuid = 1;

const call = api.tx[stringCamelCase("SubtensorModule")][stringCamelCase("recycle_alpha")](
  hotkey,
  amount,
  netuid
);

Runtime Info

View Source

Pallet Index: 7
Call Index: 101
First Version: v257
Current Version: v393

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