Leuven River Upcycling

Leuven River Upcycling combines sport with reusing waste

On 3 October 2021, Leuven kayak club KSKCL, Dijlejutters and JCI Leuven launched Leuven River Upcycling at maakleerplek. They worked closely with partners at maakleerplek, including High Tech Lab, Honk vzw, Arktos, Reisburo Roulot, LE(J)ON, CORE and Leuven 2030. The City of Leuven supports the initiative. Kayakers collect litter from the canal and the River Dijle. As much of it as possible is then turned into products for local sports clubs, schools and associations. Alongside collecting floating plastics and reusing them, the project makes outdoor sport accessible to everyone.

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‘What began a few months ago with two separate associations has grown into a major initiative with many partners,’ says Daan Van Tassel of Dijlejutters, one of the initiators. Dijlejutters has organised regular clean-ups on the Dijle since 2018. JCI Leuven, an association of young enterprising people seeking a positive impact on their local community, also wanted to offer kayaks on the Dijle and the canal in exchange for collecting litter.

Similar initiatives already exist in Mechelen, Ghent, Brussels and other cities, allowing kayakers to clean waterways while exercising. ‘The two associations found each other through a shared interest in 2020,’ adds Lisa Deweirdt of JCI Leuven. ‘This spring, we developed the routes and obtained equipment with financial support from Tofsport. We coordinated the project and routes with Peddelsport Vlaanderen, Sport Vlaanderen, De Vlaamse Waterweg and the Flemish Environment Agency (VMM).’ Sports alderman Johan Geleyns adds: ‘We have already seen joggers and walkers help make Leuven cleaner through litter-picking runs and walks. For years, Kayak Club Leuven has shown that water sports enthusiasts can also contribute to a healthier, litter-free environment. We have long known that sport connects people; this project's social dimension makes it even more worthwhile.’

Welcoming kayakers

At maakleerplek, young people from HONK and Arktos welcome anyone who wants to get on the water and contribute to the project. The collected litter is sorted here afterwards. ‘This really shows what maakleerplek stands for,’ says alderwoman Lalynn Wadera. ‘Organisations that seem to have little in common find a shared mission. That connection produces fresh ideas to make the city more beautiful and liveable for everyone. With maakleerplek's machines and spaces, they can put those ideas into practice.’

After booking, you can launch from the Vlaamse Vereniging voor Watersport (VVW) jetty on Kolonel Begaultlaan to explore the canal, collect litter and enjoy the surroundings. On specified days, you can book a 90-minute trip on the canal.

Turning plastic waste into sticks, pallets and paddles

The collected waste is brought to maakleerplek and sorted. The High Tech Lab turns the plastic into raw material and makes new products, such as sticks, pallets or paddles for Leuven's sports clubs. This is part of the Upcycling River Challenge organised by LE(J)ON.

A circular city

‘This fits perfectly with the collaborative model we promote at Leuven 2030,’ says Katrien Rycken of Leuven 2030. ‘Sports clubs, residents, research and education institutions, students and social organisations can work together towards a sustainable Leuven in creative, active ways. Achieving our climate ambitions requires many varied partnerships that combine strengths around a shared goal. An inspiring project like this is a powerful example and a valuable testing ground for what our whole society needs to maintain prosperity and resilience.’

Alongside collecting and making use of waste, the project aims to engage a broad audience and raise awareness of the litter threatening river wildlife and plants. ‘Every day, we work towards a clean, litter-free Leuven. It is wonderful to be able to count on sports and water enthusiasts to help keep our rivers clean too,’ says waste-policy alderman Thomas Van Oppens, who previously joined a clean-up. ‘We also continue to raise awareness: we all share responsibility for a clean Leuven. Waste belongs in a bin, not on the street and certainly not in our waterways.’

‘With this project, we take another step towards a circular city: one that uses valuable resources sustainably, sees waste as a resource and closes material cycles,’ concludes climate and sustainability alderman David Dessers.