River Cleaning, a pioneering Italian startup, is at the forefront of tackling plastic pollution in rivers with an innovative approach. Their advanced technology aims to address the critical issue of riverine plastic waste, which significantly contributes to the larger problem of oceanic plastic pollution.
The Plastic Pollution Crisis
Plastic waste is a major environmental concern, with rivers serving as a primary conduit for debris entering the oceans. Each year, approximately 8 million tons of plastic end up in the sea, much of it flowing through rivers. This plastic accumulates in large oceanic “islands,” like the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, which is as large as Spain and Portugal combined. Addressing plastic waste at the river level is crucial to preventing further oceanic accumulation.
River Cleaning’s Innovative Solution
River Cleaning has developed a cutting-edge system designed to tackle plastic waste effectively. Their approach involves a rotating buoy system that uses the natural river current to power floating cogs. These cogs direct plastic waste to a storage area on the riverbank, ensuring minimal environmental impact and no disruption to river traffic.
Key Features of River Cleaning’s System
- Seamless Operation: The system operates autonomously 24/7, harnessing the river’s flow to power itself. This design eliminates the need for constant human intervention and avoids disruptions to navigation.
- Scalable Design: The technology is adaptable to various river sizes and conditions. Cogs can be customised and anchored either underwater or from above, depending on the specific requirements of the watercourse.
- Proven Results: Initial installations, including a pilot project in Rosà in 2021, have demonstrated the system’s effectiveness, with over 100 kg of waste recovered. Subsequent deployments in Venice and Milan have shown significant reductions in river plastic pollution.
- Future Initiatives: River Cleaning plans to expand its technology with upcoming projects in Albania and Italy, incorporating machine learning for enhanced waste analysis and management. Supported by Horizon Europe, these projects aim to further improve the system’s efficiency.
River Cleaning is setting new standards in river waste management with its innovative, autonomous technology. By addressing the problem at the source, the startup is making significant strides toward reducing plastic pollution and protecting aquatic ecosystems.
