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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

We are excited to announce that we have recently installed a new Litter Trap in Westdorpe, along the Gent-Terneuzen Canal! The installation will prevent plastic pollution from reaching the Western Scheldt and eventually the North Sea.



The Litter Trap is a passive device using the water current and wind to capture floating debris. The recovered plastics will be analyzed, monitored and made available for recycling. As part of CLEAR RIVERs' educational program, we will work on this project together with students.


Within the 1st week, the Litter Trap already captured 1m3 of floating debris!


We would like to express our deep appreciation to our invaluable sponsors and partners— Heijmans, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners in the Netherlands and Rijkswaterstaat—for their collaboration, without which this project would not have been possible.


We would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to the employees of the Port of Rotterdam who chose to devolve their Christmas gift to a good cause. Your generosity has had a tremendous impact on our work to keep the Port plastic-free.



We would also like to express a heartfelt thanks to the Port of Rotterdam Authority for their generous donation and unwavering support. These donations empower us to achieve our mission and serve as an inspiration for others to join us in this important cause.


Together, we can create a cleaner and healthier marine environment, and each contribution represents a significant step towards achieving a plastic-free sea.

  • May 26, 2023

Updated: May 30, 2023

Exciting times are ahead as we proudly welcome several exceptional individuals to our international team, each bringing their unique skills and passion to drive positive change.


Let us introduce João and Bianca, two dynamic professionals who have joined our ranks as Project Managers.


Meet João Vieira, a construction engineer whose journey is marked by passion, innovation, and a drive to make a positive impact. João completed his studies in construction engineering management at the University of Portsmouth, where he honed his skills and gained valuable industry insights. During his placement year, he worked as a project manager at Barraqueiro Transports in Portugal, focusing on the impact of emerging technologies in the heavy-duty transport industry. Eager to contribute and get a better knowledge of new cultures, João then embarked on a volunteer experience in Sao Tome and Principe, where he dedicated his time to managing and restructuring a waste processing plant. Beyond his professional pursuits, he finds joy and relaxation in the exhilarating world of surfing and the strategic nature of tennis.



Originally from Bologna, Italy, Bianca has spent the past eight years in Northern Europe braving the cold and rainy weather. She is a passionate environmentalist and versatile professional, holding a Master of Science in Environmental Science and a Master of Arts in International Relations. Bianca's dedication to driving positive change was first concretized through her co-founding of Resiliearth, an NGO committed to raising awareness and providing solutions to address the pressing issue of plastic pollution. Her deep commitment to sustainability issues was further consolidated during internships at international organizations, where she gained valuable experience in communications, marketing, and stakeholder engagement. In her free time, Bianca enjoys cooking, reading, and discovering new things. Whether it's traveling, visiting museums, vintage shopping, or simply spending quality time with friends, she enthusiastically embraces every opportunity to embark on new adventures. Additionally, Bianca has a deep appreciation for sports of all kinds and is also a fitness and movement instructor.



But our team expansion doesn't stop there. We are also thrilled to welcome Rahmat and Iqbal as Project Assistants, who will be making a valuable impact on education and awareness initiatives in Ambon, Indonesia.


Let us introduce Iqbal Masuku, a law student with a keen interest in international issues. As a former language teacher, he possesses strong communication skills and a deep appreciation for diverse cultures. Currently expanding his knowledge in environmental studies, Iqbal is dedicated to addressing the legal challenges surrounding waste management and climate change. His passion for creating positive change through education and policy is an invaluable asset to our team.




Meet Rahmat Alamin Maba, a senior-year communication student from Ambon, Indonesia. Having witnessed the degradation of his beautiful city due to plastic waste, Rahmat is determined to contribute to addressing the lack of public awareness and waste management strategies. Through the Ambon Plastic Free project, he actively seizes the opportunity to make a positive impact on his community, particularly through engaging with elementary school children.




We are excited to have João, Bianca, Iqbal, and Rahmat on board, bringing their expertise and enthusiasm to our team as we work together towards a cleaner and more sustainable future.



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