The state of the plastic soup in Amsterdam’s canals

Amsterdam’s canals are an integral part of the city’s identity, contributing to its cultural heritage, tourism, and urban environment. However, these waterways are increasingly affected by plastic pollution, which poses significant environmental, ecological, and public health concerns. Each year, approximately 42,000 kilograms of plastic waste are removed from the city’s canals, highlighting the scale of the issue.

This two pagers summarizes the research and approach conducted during the first part of the project: to better understand the sources and accumulation patterns of plastic pollution, researchers from Wageningen University monitored 20 locations in Amsterdam. Their findings provide valuable insights into the types of plastic waste present, their distribution, and the potential factors influencing accumulation. Addressing this issue requires a multi-faceted approach, including policy interventions, public awareness, and innovative solutions to mitigate plastic pollution at its source.

The full article is available here. Available also in Dutch.

For any question, don't hesitate to contact project manager Francesca Alberti at francesca.alberti@ams-institute.org