Challenge / Goal
Plastic pollution significantly impacts water ecosystems globally, with urban water systems identified as the primary sources of plastic contamination in rivers.
Amsterdam, the capital city with more waterways than Venice and more bridges than Paris, is famous for its UNESCO World Heritage-listed canal belt. This busy area attracts a lot of ship traffic and recreational activity, but unfortunately, it also struggles with river plastic pollution.
Developing effective strategies to reduce and manage this pollution is crucial to preserving the ecological health of these vital water systems.
Solution
Bubble Barrier Amsterdam was commissioned by Waterschap Amstel, Gooi and Vecht and the Municipality of Amsterdam as part of the “Amsterdam Clean Water” programme, with the goal of achieving plastic-free waters in Amsterdam by 2030.
Waternet, on behalf of the water board and municipality, cleans the city's waterways daily using boats. The integration of Bubble Barrier technology into the city's waste management system allows for the efficient capture and removal of smaller, submerged plastic waste.
Bubble Barrier Amsterdam captures plastic 24/7 and covers the full width and depth of the canal. It’s powered by renewable energy from the city’s electrical grid.
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Log inTime period
Planning time
1 to 2 years
Implementation time
1 to 2 years
Implementers
The Great Bubble Barrier, Gemeente Amsterdam, Waterschap Amstel, Gooi and Vecht and Waternet
Service providers
The Great Bubble Barrier
End users
The City and Water Authority