Welcome to the Riversaver Toolkit website!
Here, you’ll discover innovative and practical solutions to tackle plastic pollution in rivers. Rooted in the principles of open science and free knowledge-sharing, we provide proven strategies and resources at no cost. Whether you’re a teacher, student, NGO, water authority, or municipality, if you’re committed to protecting your river from plastic waste, you’ve come to the right place. This website serves as a dynamic database, a one-stop shop, and a treasure trove of innovative ideas. The content you’ll find here is endorsed by the Plastic Cup initiative and reflects the collective expertise and intellectual contributions of numerous projects, partners, universities, NGOs, and experts from across the Danube Basin. If you have any questions, we’re here to help—feel free to reach out via our hotline. Together, we can keep our rivers and seas clean and thriving. Sincerely, The Riversavers – Plastic Pirates and River Cleanup Experts from the Danube River Basin
Check the Solutions
Who We Are?
What is Our Mission?
The Danube River Basin: Home of the Riversaver Toolkit
The Danube River Basin, where the Riversaver toolkit was born, is the most international river basin in the world. Spanning 19 countries, it’s no surprise that we’ve become specialists in addressing transnational river pollution. Over the past 12+ years, we’ve developed and gathered innovative solutions designed to work not just within a single country but across borders through collaborative efforts. Our experience has shown that all effective solutions can be grouped into three key pillars: INSPIRATION, EDUCATION, and INNOVATION.
The Challenge...
River pollution comes in many forms—floating debris, submerged waste, solid pollutants, and dissolved contaminants. The Riversaver website offers a comprehensive overview of these different types of pollution. While our primary focus is on plastic pollution—where we’ve gained the most extensive field experience—you’ll also find valuable tips and insights on addressing other forms of river pollution. Whether you’re tackling plastic waste or other contaminants, our resources are here to guide and support your efforts to restore our rivers.
Sustainable Solutions for Cleaner Rivers
RIVER RESTORATION
The Plastic Cup actively contributes to river restoration through large-scale cleanups and waste removal initiatives. Volunteers, scientists, and local communities work together to collect and analyze plastic pollution from rivers, particularly in the Tisza. Their efforts go beyond cleanups by advocating for long-term solutions such as improved waste management and pollution prevention. Data collected during these actions help track pollution trends and support policy changes. By combining science, education, and community engagement, they strive to restore and protect river ecosystems.
INNOVATION
From Anxiety to Action. Climate change, pollution, and the degradation of natural ecosystems leave many feeling anxious and powerless. But how can we break this cycle and start making a difference? In the Inspiration section, we demonstrate how to motivate local communities—often the most disheartened and neglectful about pollution—by showing them the untapped power of collaboration. Inspiration has the unique ability to shift individuals and groups from a “why bother?” mindset to actively stepping up against plastic pollution in rivers. Let’s explore how inspiration can work on different levels to empower action and spark real change!
RESEARCH
Data Collection & Publication (Research) is a key part of the Plastic Cup initiative, combining Citizen Science and Academic Research to document and analyze river pollution. While volunteers contribute to data collection through hands-on involvement, scientific studies provide in-depth insights, supporting awareness, policy changes, and sustainable solutions for cleaner waterways.
Riversaver Map
The Riversaver Map is an interactive online platform that displays key information related to river waste: it highlights cleanup sites, river-saving centers, adopter schools, and other active organizations and locations. Its goal is to make river protection efforts visible, encourage collaboration, and support data-driven action in the fight against plastic pollution.
Explore the Riversaver Map
Partners
We are grateful to our partners, without whom we could do less for our rivers.
Projects
Working together with our partners, we have developed technologies to enhance river saving.
