ECOwave RVC 3.0 Turns Waste Cleanup Into a Competitive Quest in Russia

An environmental campaign called ECOwave RVC 3.0 took place for the first time in Komsomolsk-on-Amur this month. Organised by the Rosvodokanal group of companies, the event brought together employees, volunteers, and partners for a mix of competition and conservation. The initiative aimed to clean up local waterways while promoting responsible waste management.

The campaign followed an eco-quest format, blending waste collection with a competitive challenge. Fifty participants worked together to clear a 1.5-kilometre stretch along the Silinka River’s shoreline. Among the rubbish collected were plastic and glass bottles, metal cans, paper packaging, and even discarded rubber tyres—all of which were later sorted and sent for recycling.

One unique feature of the event was a hidden 'trash artifact,' a special item concealed among the waste. The participant who discovered it received a personal prize, adding an element of surprise to the cleanup. Alexander Shein, CEO of RVC-Komsomolsk, highlighted the campaign’s dual purpose. He described *ECOwave* as both an educational tool and a way to encourage healthy competition. Tatiana Bondarenko, the company’s HR director, reinforced this by stating that responsible water stewardship lies at the heart of Rosvodokanal’s mission. The *ECOwave RVC* project first launched in 2024 in Orenburg. Since then, it has expanded to every city where Rosvodokanal operates, becoming a key part of the company’s corporate volunteer programme. The initiative reflects the water utility’s broader commitment to environmental sustainability and community engagement.

The event successfully combined shoreline cleanup with efforts to foster a culture of responsible consumption. All collected materials were processed for recycling, reducing the environmental impact of the waste. Rosvodokanal plans to continue expanding the ECOwave campaign across its operating regions.