In a concerted effort to tackle pollution, approximately six tonnes of waste were collected and recycled along the banks of the Alzette, Chiers, and surrounding streams as part of the cross-municipal ‘Mobilisation for Clean Rivers’ initiative.
The results of this extensive clean-up operation, which involved 13 Luxembourg municipalities and several French partners, were unveiled by the Minister of the Environment Serge Wilmes on Monday. The two-week initiative saw workers from municipalities, the Centre for Local Initiative and Management (CIGL), and association ProActif clean and monitor 78 kilometres of rivers and streams.
The collected waste predominantly consisted of plastic bottles, glass bottles, and metal cans, totalling 2,500 plastic bottles, 1,200 glass bottles, and 1,900 metal cans. This equates to finding a bottle or can every 14m along the cleaned areas. More unusual items were also discovered, such as a car battery, a road sign, electronic devices, and even a bag of cement.
Jacques Mersch, a representative from the ‘Alzette River Agreement’, noted that the findings were anticipated.
“As someone who frequently visits the streams, it’s apparent that there’s consistently a significant amount of rubbish. This collaborative effort underscores the problem’s magnitude, highlighting the necessity for comprehensive clean-up actions to establish a baseline of cleanliness”, Mersch said.
The participating municipalities coordinated their individual clean-up efforts, with the collected waste sorted in Tétange. The municipality of Kayl-Tétange, part of the river partnership, was among the participants. Mayor Jean Weiler expressed satisfaction with the campaign.
“I would, of course, be even happier if there was no litter at all. I urge all citizens to take responsibility, avoid littering, recycle, and contribute to maintaining a clean environment and nature”, Weiler stated.
Environment Minister Serge Wilmes expressed deep concern at the continued pollution of Luxembourg’s waterways, while also lamenting that the Grand Duchy is unlikely to meet the EU directive for achieving a good ecological status of its water bodies by 2027, despite its financial resources. However, he emphasised the nation’s responsibility to improve the quality of its water bodies.
Wilmes further outlined plans to enhance the quality of water bodies through river and stream restoration and improving wastewater treatment by adding a fourth purification stage to major sewage plants.
The clean-up operation aimed to raise public awareness about how quickly waste can end up in nature and the importance of responsible environmental practices.
