Campaign launched to help fund litter-eating drone

The WasteShark captures rubbish on the surface of the water in its wide mouth

A fundraising campaign has been launched to pay for a litter-eating drone which has been helping to clean up the waterways in Leeds.

WasteShark has helped remove the equivalent of more than 3,000 plastic bottles from the water around Leeds Dock, as well as shoes, umbrellas, footballs and a fridge.

Leeds Waterfront Group (LWG), which introduced the drone in June 2024, is now hoping to raise £24,000 to maintain its weekly clean-up operation.

LWG chair Paul Ellison said: "The WasteShark has already done a fantastic job in removing a significant amount of rubbish from our waterways, improving the environment and helping wildlife."

WasteShark was introduced to the waterways in Leeds in 2024

He said the drone, which is capable of scooping up 160 litres (50kg) of rubbish at a time, had "become a popular sight and gained a cult following" in the city.

"We're hopeful the people and businesses of Leeds will want to show their support for the WasteShark to continue its positive mission," he said.

"WasteShark is unique to our city and to help it keep delivering we need to raise funds, as without them this simple, effective and sustainable way of cleaning our rivers and canals will be lost."

LWG said £24,000 would allow it to maintain the drone, while £34,000 would mean it could operate on two days a week rather than one, allowing it to collect an additional 4,500 litres of rubbish per year.

If objects are too large for it to "swallow" the WasteShark is also capable of manoeuvring them to the side to be removed manually.

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