Volunteer

Every day 10 million kg of plastics end up in nature. Plastics do not decompose and stay around forever, causing harm to people, animals and the environment. Our vision is to create a world in which rivers are free of plastics.

OUR STORY

River Cleanup started in 2017 with a 10-minute cleanup and was founded in Antwerp in 2019 as a nonprofit organization. In our first five years (2019-2024), we activated 288.000 volunteers via 6.224 events in 101 countries, removed 3,6 million kilograms of river waste from nature and developed the Clean River Model as an open-source theory of change for plastic-free rivers.

YOUR ROLE

We're looking for hands-on volunteers, the driving force behind every cleanup!

Your involvement can include:

• Helping out at cleanup events across Belgium
• Packing and organising materials at our Antwerp storage
• Driving materials to locations around the country
• Getting your hands dirty at river and river bank cleanups
• Joining World Cleanup Day (September 2026)
• Sharing your professional expertise (communications, legal, finance, logistics, …)
• Have another idea? Just get in touch!

We plan on an ad hoc basis. At the start of each month, we share which days we need extra hands.
You tell us when you're available. Weekdays and weekends both welcome.

Requirements

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• A valid driver's license. This is a must, as we travel across Belgium
• Enthusiasm, positive energy and a can-do attitude
• Great communication skills
• Flexibility and a team spirit
• No prior experience needed! Just show up and we'll handle the rest!
• Volunteering commitments range from 4 to 8 hours per day.

Benefits

• We cover your travel costs or provide a fee in line with Belgian regulations for voluntary work
• Membership of a global community of 370,000+ River Warriors in 102 countries
• A fun, inclusive and energising experience, because saving rivers should feel good
• Training and guidance for anyone wanting to take on a coordination role

DETAILS

• Commitment: flexible. From a single day to regular monthly involvement
• Base location: Antwerp (events across Belgium and internationally)
• Planning: monthly, ad hoc, you decide your availability
• Next major moment: World Cleanup Day September 2026

Ready to get your hands dirty?

Sign up, let us know your preference and follow us on social media to stay up to date on upcoming events near you.

River Cleanup welcomes volunteers from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences regardless of age, gender, origin, or physical ability. The more, the merrier.

Together for clean rivers!