River Cleanup helps out in flood-affected areas
On July 14th & 15th heavy rains hit Belgium. In Wallonia, deadly floods affected thousands of people and a huge area of nature. We took action right away.
When the Waters Rise, We Rise Together
Join the River Cleanup Response Unit.
Be part of a committed team of volunteers ready to respond after floods.
Since the devastating floods of 2021, a dedicated group of volunteers has already made a lasting impact — cleaning up waste, restoring nature, and supporting local recovery efforts. No experience needed — just a willingness to help, a pair of boots, and team spirit.
Sign up today to join the River Cleanup Response Unit and be ready to make a difference when it matters most.
River Cleanup Response Unit
The River Cleanup Response Unit (RCRU) exists to act swiftly in the aftermath of floods, preventing further environmental damage by removing waste and plastic pollution before it breaks down into harmful microplastics. By intervening shortly after the emergency phase, we help protect both people and nature from long-term, escalating harm.
Floods are increasing in intensity and frequency
Climate change is driving more extreme weather events. Floods are becoming more frequent and severe, overwhelming infrastructure and increasing environmental vulnerability.
Beyond human and material damage, floods introduce massive pollution
As floodwaters rise, they sweep up plastic waste, construction debris, sewage, and chemicals—turning rivers into conveyors of pollution.
Plastics and debris spread rapidly through river systems
What enters the water during a flood can travel hundreds of kilometers downstream, reaching coastal and marine ecosystems in days or even hours.
Join us
Are you ready to make a difference when it matters most?
We’re building a team of dedicated volunteers for the River Cleanup Response Unit — a committed crew that will go into action 1 to 2 weeks after floods or environmental disasters to help clean up waste and protect nature.
Our goal: stop waste from spreading further into nature and support affected communities with immediate, hands-on action.
We’re looking for all kinds of people:
From those ready to help with easily accessible cleanup zones, to volunteers prepared for more technical or challenging locations, like riversides, under bridgeheads, or even in the water.
Whether you’re a seasoned volunteer or just getting started, there’s a role for you.
Want to help where it counts? Join us now by filling out the form down below and become part of the response unit.
Operational approach
STEP 1: Monitoring & Preparations
The River Cleanup Response Unit starts by closely monitoring weather forecasts and flood alerts. When a flood is imminent or occurs, we immediately reach out to national and local authorities to assess the situation. Our team then scouts the affected areas to identify where intervention is needed most and when to act. Based on this, we prepare all necessary equipment and materials to ensure a fast and effective cleanup response.
STEP 2: Volunteers & Mobilization
Once locations and timing are clear, we send out a call for volunteers via WhatsApp and other channels — with all practical info: when to come, where to go, and what to bring; This typically takes place 1 to 2 weeks after the flooding, in close coordination with authorities and emergency response services.
We arrange on-site logistics: transport of materials, possible carpool options, and even catering to keep volunteers energized.
STEP 3: Field Coordination
On the day of the action, our team is present to coordinate the cleanup on the ground, distribute equipment, ensure safety, and support our volunteers throughout the operation.
River Cleanup Response Unit
Sign up form
If you sign up through the form below, we will save your contact information and contact you in the wake of a flooding event.
From Crisis to Action
In the summer of 2021, devastating floods swept through Central Europe, leaving communities in chaos — and rivers filled with waste. In southern Belgium, the Vesdre and Ourthe valleys were hit especially hard, with over 100 kilometers of riverbanks littered with plastic, debris, and destruction.
But out of the mud rose something powerful: solidarity and action.
With the help of our incredible volunteers - our River Warriors - River Cleanup stepped in to support the recovery. Together, we rolled up our sleeves and removed tons of waste from the affected rivers and landscapes.
Cleanups Still Ongoing
Even today, a small group of dedicated volunteers continues to tackle the more difficult, hard-to-reach zones. And we’re not stopping anytime soon.
There are still cleanups ahead — and we’d love to have you with us. Bring your friends, family, or colleagues and become part of the solution. We take care of transportation, materials, on-site coordination, and insurance — you just bring the energy!
Our impact
- 259
- Events
- 7 701
- Warriors
- 268 079
-
kg trash
These stats contain Collected & Recovered trash
-
Collected= 0 kg
Recovered= 268 079 kg
Floods cleanup map
Be sure to check out the map bellow to find out where our River Warriors have cleaned up.
Organize your own cleanup in floods-affected areas
Start by giving your cleanup a name and fill in your email address so that we can identify you or let you create an account in a later step.
Upcoming actions
Show past actions
No actions found.
Check out our past actions!
Feel free to reach out!
If you have any question about the River Cleanup Response Unit, want support for your own cleanup in a floods-affected area or if you have any suggestions or ideas, be sure to let us know!
News
Partners
