© Ben Creemers
Litter along the Meuse
During periods of high water, following heavy rainfall or snowmelt in the Ardennes, litter in the Meuse is carried onto the riverbanks. This debris often accumulates near bridges, locks or weirs. Any litter not left behind on the shores at these points is carried downriver and eventually ends up in the sea.
Since 2012, various organisations have been working together to keep the Meuse and its riverbanks free of litter. A clean river and tidy banks are crucial for both residents and visitors of the Meuse Valley River Park, as well as for downstream areas. In recent years, more than 100 tons of litter have been collected through cross-border cooperation.
Despite efforts to clean up and raise awareness about the waste problem, the amount of litter hasn’t decreased. To address this, it’s essential to target the source of the waste, which requires further research and understanding.
What we do
- Raise awareness among residents and visitors
- Promote, fund and facilitate research
- Organise and support cleanup actions on both riverbanks and communicate about the efforts
What you can do
- Take your trash home or dispose of it in a bin
- Join an organised cleanup event (Maas.net, Straat.net, Schone Maas, Maas Cleanup, local initiatives, etc.)
- Organise your own cleanup, whether alone or in a group. Bring a litter picker and a trash bag on walks, but be mindful of sensitive natural areas, especially during the breeding season.
Meuse Cleanup Package
All kayak companies in the Meuse Valley are committed to offering the Meuse Cleanup Package. Kayakers are provided with a grabber, gloves, and trash bags to collect litter during their journey. This way, you can help keep the Meuse clean even while enjoying the water.
