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Jan 2025

Additional Litter Trap for Rotterdam! CLEAR RIVERS installed its 4th Litter Trap in the city of Rotterdam. This retrieval device for plastic marine pollution is part of our new pilot to stop plastic pollution also in the fairway. Born from our educational program comes the idea to create a new current to divert plastic marine debris, from the fairway, into our Litter Trap. Last December we had the first successful day of testing in the real life situation and we're currently setting up a three month trail. An electric propeller engine will create a new flow to steer marine pollution. In the first day we've tested any potential negative impact on ships and boats passing by. The new current seems strong enough to divert plastic yet weak enough to effect ship traffic. In the coming months we will further test, optimize and monitor this new way of stopping plastic debris. So please stay tuned! Many thanks to our partners Gemeente Rotterdam, Brunel Foundation, Hoogheemraadschap van Delfland, CrossFit Coolhaven

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Litter Trap pilot with propeller engine to create a new current. 

Jan 2025

Thank you for your support and collaboration in 2024! We've already started running in 2025 with: - An additional Litter Trap placement in Rotterdam. - The production of a new modular, low budget, Litter Trap. - The development of recycled floatlands to improve the ecosystem in the Mekong Delta. All For a plastic free sea Thank you 🩵 Marjolein Van Noort Jeroen Wupkes Thuy Vo (Teddie) Garanti BBVA, International Brunel Foundation, The Usual Hotels, Rotterdam Circulair, WaterBear Network, Nexio Projects, Green Business Club Rotterdam Alexander, Port of Brussels, Torqeedo, Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences.

Recap of 2024 in video

Dec 2024

CLEAR RIVERS starts a new pilot to stop plastic pollution. Born from our educational program comes the idea to create a new current to divert plastic marine pollution, from the fairway, into our Litter Trap. Last week we had the first day of testing in a real life situation. An electric propeller engine creates the new flow to steer floating debris. In the first day we've tested any potential negative impact on ships and boats passing by. The new current seems strong enough to divert plastic yet weak enough to effect ship traffic. In the coming three months we will further test, optimize and monitor this new way of stopping plastic debris. So please stay tuned! Many thanks to our partners Gemeente Rotterdam, Brunel Foundation, Torqeedo, CrossFit Coolhaven.

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Litter Trap pilot with propeller engine to create a new current. 

Dec 2024

We're excited to share CLEAR RIVERS educational video in Vietnamese! This project is the result of a collaboration with the Graphic Lyceum Rotterdam, where a talented group of students poured their creativity into translating our mission into engaging visuals. This video will be used in our educational programs, helping us explain the significant impact of plastic pollution on water bodies, and how even small pieces of trash can cause big problems for marine life. The animation introduces the innovative Litter Trap, an invention by CLEAR RIVERS that acts like a superhero, capturing trash before it reaches the ocean. Our mission extends beyond just cleanup efforts; we aim to change how people think about and handle trash in their daily lives. By keeping the environment clean and working together, we can make a huge difference. Join us in protecting our rivers and oceans.

CLEAR RIVERS educational video in Vietnamese spoken word

Dec 2024

The Litter Trap pilot in the Gent-Terneuzen canal comes to an end after one year of effective retrieval and monitoring. Many thanks to our project partners Heijmans and Coca-cola Europacific partners. Within this pilot we've seen how our Litter Trap can be effective in large canals with ongoing ship traffic. The Litter Trap was successful in retrieving cross-border (Belgium-The Netherlands) macro marine pollution. But, also a shockingly large quantity of micro plastics was recovered from the water column. Especially the plastic nurdles / pallets were found in large number in the canal that connects the city Gent with the North Sea. Currently we are exploring a new location for this Litter Trap.

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Litter Trap in the Gent-Terneuzen canal, the Netherlands

Oct 2024

The Usual sponsors our Litter Trap in Brussels, Belgium. This new partnership allows a continued operation in the Brussels-Charleroi canal. The Litter Trap is originally placed in 2018 and is frequently emptied by the Port of Brussels. Last year 50m3 of floating litter was collected and removed from the water. Does your company also want to support our Litter Trap placements, then please contact us via info@clearrivers.eu

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Litter Trap in Brussels, Belgium

Sept 2024

In the Autumn we've intensified our Clean up actions in the Netherlands again. Several cleanups were organised in Rotterdam and Amsterdam. Together with local companies, volunteers and students we've cleaned the canals, quays and streets to prevent further disperse of plastic waste. If you and your school or company also want to hold a cleanup with us, then please contact us via info@clearrivers.eu

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Cleanups in Amsterdam and Rotterdam

CLEAR RIVERS is excited to announce the expansion of its initiatives to address global plastic pollution with a new project in Can Tho, Vietnam. This vibrant city, located in the heart of the Mekong Delta, is known for its breathtaking landscapes and extensive waterway network. Unfortunately, the region faces significant challenges with plastic waste polluting its beautiful rivers and channels.


CLEAR RIVERS has strategically deployed its innovative Litter Trap technology in Can Tho City in collaboration with the Can Tho People’s Committee and the Department of Natural Resources and Environment. The Litter Trap is designed to collect floating plastic debris, preventing it from contaminating the water bodies. Constructed mainly from recycled plastics, the Litter Trap is a passive device that utilizes the natural river flow and wind to gather floating plastic debris from rivers and ports. This placement in the Rạch Cái Khế canal marks CLEAR RIVERS' first implementation in Vietnam. Due to its low investment and operational costs, the Litter Trap is a highly suitable and durable solution for halting plastic pollution in Vietnam’s numerous deltas.


CLEAR RIVERS’ Litter Trap in Can Tho City


To manage the collected plastics, CLEAR RIVERS has established a collaboration with local partners. These partners will collect the waste three times per week, sort out the plastics, analyze it, and recycle it into durable and valuable new products. This initiative not only addresses pollution but also takes a significant step towards creating a circular economy around marine plastic in Vietnam.



Emptying of the Litter Trap


Simultaneously, the CLEAR RIVERS’ team is actively conducting awareness-raising activities and cleanups with members of local communities. The project also includes community recycling programs and educational initiatives to develop sustainable waste management solutions.



Educational and awareness-raising activities in Can Tho City


The project was officially launched on Saturday, June 15, 2024, with an opening ceremony. The enthusiasm and support from the community were strong as locals and volunteers united to support our commitment to halting plastic pollution. The event was attended by dignitaries, environmentalists, and concerned citizens, all of whom joined forces to raise awareness and make a positive impact on the environment. The atmosphere was filled with hope and determination to create lasting change. Following the ceremony, a river cleanup was organized, transforming that determination into action.


Opening Ceremony in Can Tho


Community members and students participating in river cleanup


This project would not have been possible without the collaboration of the local government, environmental organizations, and passionate individuals who believe in the power of working together. We're deeply grateful for the support of both local and international partners, Audi Environmental Foundation, The Basel Convention, and The Usual.

We are thrilled to share some exciting news from Romania! Last week, as part of our ongoing mission to halt plastic pollution, CLEAR RIVERS installed a Litter Trap along the Crișul Negru River, near the town of Tinca.


The Crișul Negru River, spanning 164 km within Romania and collecting water from 16 tributaries, is integral to local ecosystems. This marks CLEAR RIVERS' fourth installation in Romania! We are incredibly proud of this achievement and the positive impact it will have on the river's natural environment and surrounding communities.


Located close to the Romanian-Hungarian border, the Litter Trap plays a crucial role in stopping plastic debris from further polluting international rivers such as the Danube and eventually the Black Sea. This installation not only helps protect local waterways but also contributes to the larger effort of preserving international water bodies.


This installation was possible thanks to local project partners, Apele Romane, and RUS & BEN CONSTRUCT SRL. We are deeply grateful for their dedication and look forward to expanding these vital collaborations to further prevent plastic pollution in Romanian rivers.


Below, you can find some glimpses of the implementation process:



Stay tuned for more updates on our efforts to protect rivers and oceans globally.

CLEAR RIVERS' Litter Trap in the Gent-Terneuzen Canal is strategically located on the east side of the canal, taking advantage of prevailing wind patterns that cause debris to accumulate on that side for approximately 40 weeks per year. Our partner Heijmans diligently removes an average of 1 cubic meter of litter every two weeks, ensuring a cleaner waterway.


We have been monitoring and sorting what our Litter Trap collects. Take a look at the pictures below to get a glimpse of our sorting activity.



Among the most frequently discovered non-organic items are nurdles (plastic pellets) and hard plastic fragments. These findings emphasize the pressing need for action to protect our seas and oceans.


A heartfelt thanks to our sponsors and partners, whose support has made this impactful initiative possible! Coca-Cola Europacific Partners in the Netherlands, Heijmans & Rijkswaterstaat.


We want to invite new partners to join us in this vital mission and help us grow our impact for the well-being of people and the planet. Let's come together to protect our precious water bodies!

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