Map waste using your smartphone and AI
See litter anywhere. Take and send a dirty pic in seconds. Your photo appears on the map right away and helps build the data needed for cleaner communities and cleaner rivers.
Turn your photo into real impact
Your photo becomes data that drives action
Every dirty pic becomes a point on the interactive map and helps build a clear picture of litter in streets, parks, waterways, and public spaces.
Your contribution supports the scientific work of VITO (Flemish Institute for Technological Research) and enables smarter action for cleaner surroundings and cleaner rivers.
River Watchers is an initiative by River Cleanup, powered by the scientific expertise of VITO.
How it works
Simple. Fast. Meaningful.
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TAKE A PHOTO OF VISIBLE LITTER OUTDOORS
Litter can be anywhere on streets, in parks, near shops, along paths or close to rivers. Photograph the scene clearly and avoid faces or licence plates.
UPLOAD IN SECONDS
Tap the button, choose your dirty pic and submit. Our smart protection system blocks automated uploads and ensures data quality.
SEE YOUR DOT ON THE MAP
Your dirty pics appear on the live map and count toward your tokens. Explore focus zones for bonus points and higher impact.
Start here & join the river watchers!
Upload your trash photos to our system.
Discover the River Watchers map
This is the live map created by thousands of people who want cleaner communities and cleaner rivers. Every point comes from a single dirty pic taken by someone who noticed litter and took action right away.
Tips for the perfect upload
DO ✅
Take photos of visible litter in any outdoor setting
Use natural light when possible
photograph from standing height
keep the litter clearly visible in the frame
AVOID ❌
Faces, fingers, or license plates
Indoor scenes
Extreme close up shots
Photos of clean empty areas
📍 Turn on location for your camera
To add data to the river watchers map it is important to know where your dirty pics have been taken. Please check that the location settings are enabled on your chosen camera device.
Below is a short guide to see the location settings on your phone. Photos are best uploaded directly from your device to ensure that the location related metadata is not lost.
📱 IPHONE (iOS):
Go to Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services
Make sure the Location Services slider at the top is green and enabled
Scroll to the Camera app → select "While Using the App"
🤖 ANDROID:
Go to Settings → Location→ set slider to On
Go to Apps → Camera → Permissions → Location
Select "Allow only while using the app" "Allow only while using the app"
Trash Token Leaderboard
The more Trash Tokens you earn, the higher you’ll climb on the leaderboard. Become our most enthusiastic River Watcher and win great prizes!
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Climb the leaderboard
EARN TOKENS
Each dirty pic earns tokens. Focus zones offer bonus tokens and help document areas where more data is needed.
TRACK YOUR RANKING
Follow the leaderboard and see how individuals and teams are progressing each week.
UPLOAD MORE TO MOVE UP
Every dirty pic is a new chance to earn tokens and improve your position.
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT HAPPENS TO MY PHOTO?
Your dirty pic is processed through artificial intelligence. Only the litter is analysed. Personal details are not used.
WHY DO YOU NEED MY LOCATION?
The location is needed to place the point on the map. This creates an accurate picture of litter across public spaces.
DO I NEED AN ACCOUNT?
No. You can upload immediately
HOW FAST DO PHOTOS APPEAR?
Very quickly. Your point appears once the upload is complete.
If you have any question or suggestions, feel free to reach out to us!
Infographic & Protocol
Download the Infographic and Overviews to learn more and see how to participate in River Watchers.
Partners
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In collaboration with
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