Recycled TAO
This document explains the terms "recycled TAO" and related terms.
TAO is recycled
The phrase "recycled TAO" means that this TAO is put back into the Bittensor emissions system. Instead of minting new TAO this recycled TAO that is in the recycle bin will be used again in the new emissions.
- UID registration costs: When you register either as a subnet validator or a subnet miner and get a
UID
in return, the registration cost TAO you pay is recycled. - Emissions are recycled for those subnets that have registration turned off or paused.
TAO is burned
Any TAO that is burned is permanently removed from the circulation.
TAO is locked
This is different from recycling TAO. The locked TAO is neither recycled nor burned. The locked TAO is held unspent, without the ability to move it until it is unlocked.
Netuid registration costs: When you create a subnet and get a netuid
in return, this subnet registration cost TAO you pay is returned to you when the subnet is deregistered. In the meantime this TAO is locked.