RiverRecycle

River based plastic interception and recycling, by RiverRecycle Oy of Helsinki, Finland, founded in 2019.

The need

Rivers carry plastic waste from cities to the sea. Much of it is low value plastic, such as bags and wrappers, that ordinary recycling cannot use, so it piles up in waterways. The people who collect waste often work in unsafe conditions for little pay.

The project

RiverRecycle stops waste in the river before it reaches the sea and gives it a second life. Selling the boards helps pay for the cleanup, so each site can sustain itself.

• Intercept: floating booms and river cleaning units capture waste continuously.
• Sort: collected waste is separated at a materials recovery facility.
• Recycle: low value plastic is pressed into durable boards that replace plywood in construction, furniture, schools and shelters.
• Employ: waste collector cooperatives provide safer work and stable income.
• Proposed for the Tijuana River: booms and cleaning units at key tributaries, a sorting facility and board production with local partners.

Results

• More than 4 million kg of waste removed globally.
• Pasig River, Manila: up to 4,000 kg collected a day, with an Asian Development Bank pilot announced in May 2025.
• Active in 8 countries and ISO 14001 certified.
• Named Most Impactful Company of 2024 in Finland.