How much waste was collected from Polish rivers? Summary of Operation Clean River 2025

The seventh edition of the nationwide initiative Operation Clean River ended with impressive community engagement – more than 30,000 people took part in cleanup activities. Although the turnout and the number of local actions were impressive, the amount of collected waste still highlights the scale of pollution in Polish rivers. In addition to cleaning, the organizers prepared a number of accompanying events, including kayak trips, eco-fashion shows, and presentations of items made from recycled materials.

Finale of Operation Clean River 2025

The summary of this year’s edition took place in Skomlin (Łódź Voivodeship). As part of 945 local actions across the country, more than 570 tons of waste were collected. A total of 32,404 participants were involved in the initiative, with children and youth making up more than half. The cleanup efforts focused on areas directly adjacent to rivers.

The largest amount of waste – 80,211 kg – was collected in the Mazowieckie Voivodeship. Other top regions included: Łódź Voivodeship, which hosted the finale (67,770 kg), Lubelskie (55,545 kg), Warmińsko-Mazurskie (54,725 kg), and Podkarpackie (45,108 kg).

Łódź Voivodeship also had the highest number of participants. The top five regions by participant count were:

• Łódź – 3,883 people
• Mazowieckie – 3,769
• Lubelskie – 3,491
• Warmińsko-Mazurskie – 3,060
• Podkarpackie – 2,531

Operation Clean River – over 6 years of community involvement

The first edition of Operation Clean River took place in the spring of 2019. Since then, nationwide clean-up campaigns have been held every spring – and also in the summer of 2021 – coordinated by the Clean River Foundation. Established in 2024, the foundation also carries out educational, informational, and organizational activities in support of water and environmental protection.

The growing number of participants and the tonnage of waste collected show the strong public demand for environmental education. In 2024, 562 tons of waste were collected, and nearly 30,000 people took part. The foundation regularly conducts awareness-raising campaigns – even beyond Operation Clean River itself.

ECObarometer: how do Poles perceive drought-related threats?

To mark World Environment Day, celebrated on June 5, the Clean River Foundation, in cooperation with SW Research agency, conducted an online survey called ECObarometer, focusing on how Poles view the issue of drought and water resources.

The results show that 71.4% of respondents believe water should be conserved even in everyday situations – 35.9% said “definitely yes” and 35.5% “rather yes.” The most commonly declared water-saving practices were turning off the tap while brushing teeth (54.4%) and choosing showers over baths (48.7%). Respondents also mentioned other eco-friendly actions, such as collecting rainwater (28.1%), disposing of batteries in appropriate containers (41.3%), and avoiding pouring oil or chemicals down the sink (31.2%).

When asked about their biggest drought-related concerns, respondents most frequently pointed to rising food prices (52.6%) and the risk of wildfires (50.7%). Other major concerns included drying up of rivers, lakes, and wetlands (43%), forest dieback (39.9%), and rising temperatures (36.8%).

Together for clean rivers

Operation Clean River demonstrates that caring for aquatic environments doesn’t have to be just a duty –it’s also a chance for shared action, education, and building local connections. The involvement of thousands of people across Poland is proof that protecting water resources can bring people together around concrete, measurable results. On the other hand, it’s important to remember that the waste ending up by rivers, lakes, or on Baltic beaches is still our own responsibility. If we simply stop leaving it there, there will be no need to collect it later.

main photo credit: Fundacja Czysta Rzeka