Cleanup Action Carried Out Along the Tisa Riverbanks in Serbia

On October 16, 2025, a cleanup action was organized as part of the Aquatic Plastic project, targeting illegal dump sites and accumulated waste along the banks of the Tisa River in the vicinity of Bačko Petrovo Selo and Bečej.

More than 60 participants took part in the activity, including local residents, students, staff from the Faculty of Technical Sciences, and a number of volunteers. The action was supported by the Municipality of Bečej, public water management company “Vode Vojvodine,” utility company “Potisje,” and other organizations.

In total, 1,820 kilograms of waste were collected. After the cleanup, the waste was sorted into several categories to facilitate recycling and proper disposal. Among the recovered materials were 127 kg of PET plastic, 67 kg of aluminum, 91 kg of glass, and 45 kg of hard plastics. The remaining 1,490 kg consisted of mixed municipal waste. This careful classification helps ensure that recyclable materials are diverted from landfills and reintroduced into the circular economy.

These types of cleanup actions play a crucial role in identifying and removing potential sources of pollution before they reach the river system. Waste accumulation in riparian areas often serves as a direct contributor to plastic pollution in waterways, particularly during floods or periods of high water flow. By focusing on these critical zones, the initiative helps prevent waste from entering aquatic ecosystems in the first place.

Beyond the immediate environmental benefits, such activities also serve to engage the local community, raise awareness about the impact of improper waste disposal, and promote more responsible environmental behavior.