On the occasion of the International Coastal Cleanup Day, EkoGard members carried out a clean-up action of the riverbed and riverbank of the Crnja River, within the national initiative implemented by Zero Waste Montenegro.

In addition to waste removal, the action also had a research component through the implementation of a waste audit (Brand Audit), with the aim of identifying pollution sources and increasing producer accountability.

Context & Problem

Although dry in this section, the Crnja River showed a serious level of pollution, with accumulated waste — especially plastic, textile, and organic debris. Dry riverbeds often become informal dumping sites, which further endanger the surrounding environment and water flows when the river is refilled.

Project Objectives

  • remove waste from the Crnja riverbed and riverbank
  • document the structure and origin of the collected waste
  • contribute to the national database on plastic pollution
  • raise awareness about producer and consumer responsibility
  • strengthen the role of citizens in environmental monitoring

Implemented Activities

  • organization and implementation of the riverbed and riverbank clean-up
  • collection and sorting of waste by categories
  • implementation of a waste audit (Brand Audit) following the Break Free From Plastic methodology
  • recording brands and products found in the waste
  • documentation of findings and submission of data to the initiative coordinator
  • joint evaluation and public communication of results

Results & Impact

  • targeted section of the Crnja riverbed and riverbank successfully cleaned
  • large quantities of plastic and textile waste removed
  • data collected on waste composition and sources
  • contribution to national and international plastic pollution databases
  • increased awareness of systemic causes of pollution, not only its consequences

Stakeholders & Partnerships

  • Zero Waste Montenegro – national initiative lead and methodological support
  • NGO Avlija – organization and implementation of field activities
  • EkoGard – participation and implementation support
  • NGO Runolist – participation and implementation support
  • Local volunteers – waste collection and participation in data analysis

Sustainability & Follow-up

The collected data will be used for advocacy activities aimed at producers and institutions, alongside the planning of new clean-up and monitoring actions within the Zero Waste program.

Project Title: International Coastal Cleanup Day – Crnja River Clean-up
Activity Type: Civic environmental action / waste monitoring
Implementation Period: September 2024
Location: Crnja River, Rožaje
Target Group: Local community, volunteers, citizens
Lead Initiative: Zero Waste Montenegro
Partners & Participants: NGO Avlija, NGO Runolist
Status: ✔ Implemented