The Mississippi River Plastic Pollution Initiative
Clean River, Clean Seas. A multi-city effort to reduce plastic pollution through data collection, community engagement, education, and practical action across one of the world’s greatest waterways.
Why this matters
The Mississippi River is the drainage system for 40% of the United States, spanning all or part of 31 U.S. states and 2 Canadian provinces. Plastic waste and litter travel through storm drains, tributaries, and rivers into the Mississippi River and eventually into the ocean.
From commitment to coordinated action
In September 2018, through the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative, state legislators and mayors of cities and towns along the Mississippi River made a commitment to reduce plastic waste in the Mississippi River Valley.
Under the leadership of the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative, and in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme, National Geographic Society, and the University of Georgia, the initiative was launched to combat plastic pollution along one of the world’s greatest waterways.
Transforming research and local engagement into measurable impact
Mississippi River cities play a critical role in collecting data, spreading awareness, and supporting local action around plastic pollution in inland waters.
Data Collection
Communities help document pollution sources, materials, and intervention opportunities.
Education & Outreach
Cities share public education materials on plastics in inland waters and local impacts.
Partner Coordination
Local governments, civic groups, universities, and nonprofits align around practical action.
Scalable Solutions
Pilot models are tested, refined, and expanded across more cities throughout the river corridor.
Initiative next steps
UGA Walmart Foundation Circular Assessment
Assessment work focused on circular approaches and plastic reduction opportunities.
Stormwater Capture Devices
Exploring interventions through the Commission for Environmental Cooperation.
EPA Gulf of Mexico Grant
Preventing More, Picking Up Less — focused on practical upstream pollution prevention.
Initial pilot phase
The initiative began in Spring 2021 with data collection in three pilot locations along the Mississippi River: Baton Rouge, Louisiana; St. Louis, Missouri; and St. Paul, Minnesota. These pilot cities promoted education and outreach materials about plastics in inland waters and supported local data collection events in their communities.
St. Paul, Minnesota
St. Paul represents the upper river of the Mississippi. As the capital of Minnesota, the city has a large commercial, manufacturing, and transportation industry. It also has more shoreline on the Mississippi than any other city and serves as the head of navigation of the river.
More St. Paul PhotosSt. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis represents the middle of the Mississippi River. Located on the western bank of the river, it is one of the major cities in the river valley and remains a major distribution and transportation center within the inland waterway system.
More St. Louis PhotosBaton Rouge, Louisiana
Baton Rouge represents the lower river of the Mississippi. Located in southeastern Louisiana, Baton Rouge sits near the mouth of the Mississippi River and remains integral to the nation’s logistics and energy networks.
More Baton Rouge PhotosInitial pilot phase gallery
Use this space for curated image groups from St. Paul, St. Louis, and Baton Rouge.
Thank you to our St. Paul, St. Louis, and Baton Rouge partners
Our partners are dedicated to reducing plastic pollution in the Mississippi River watershed.
Project documents and reports
Initial Pilot Phase Report
Link the full report of the initial pilot phase here with a cover image or report card preview.
View ReportBaton Rouge USEPA Grant
Use this card to highlight the grant-related work and outcomes tied to Baton Rouge activities.
Learn MoreRFP: Community Engagement Coordinator
Use this module for archived or active recruitment, procurement, or project participation documents.
View DetailsQuad Cities expansion
The second phase was implemented in October 2021 in the Quad Cities located in Illinois and Iowa, straddling the Mississippi River: Bettendorf, Davenport, Rock Island, Moline, and East Moline. These cities promoted education and outreach materials about plastics in inland waters and supported local data collection events in their communities.
Communities included
Bettendorf, IA; Davenport, IA; Rock Island, IL; Moline, IL; and East Moline, IL.
This phase built on the pilot model by extending education, data collection, and community participation across a broader regional footprint.
View Quad Cities ReportIn the Mississippi Delta
Phase 3 continues the initiative’s regional approach in the Mississippi Delta, extending the work of data collection, community engagement, and practical plastic pollution reduction strategies into new communities.
This section can be expanded as additional approved copy, results, partner details, and imagery become available.
Help protect one of the world’s greatest waterways
Whether you are a city leader, partner organization, funder, educator, or community member, there is a role for you in reducing plastic pollution across the Mississippi River watershed.
Request information
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