VIDEO. "It's the variety of waste that surprises us": on a mission with paddle cleaners on the Seine

It's a way of mixing business with pleasure.

Regularly, the few members of the association "Un Mantois plusclean" take out their paddles for a ride on the arms of the Seine... and collect waste.

"As we went on walks, we got caught up in the game of picking up litter and our outings became more than just walks," explains Rémy, one of the founders.

Advantage, according to them, the paddle allows you to go to places that are not easily accessible.

Saturday afternoon, we followed this small team from Vétheuil (Val-d'Oise) for a classic waste collection session.

Summary of the collection (lasting about two hours, with three paddles and a canoe): nets filled with plastic, a dustbin lid, a scooter saddle, several cans, tennis balls... Non-exhaustive list.

Once picked up, this waste is left in a place so that the municipal services can then pick it up, where it is put in dumpsters or at the dump.

Read also “Impossible to describe this disgust”: In the Yvelines, arms of the Seine strangled by a floating landfill

A few weeks ago, the members of the association, for example, came across a floating landfill, near Guernes (Yvelines), in an arm of the Seine that could be compared to a natural funnel... where a number of impressive waste, especially in times of flood.

In question, in particular, a floating dam which does not work well but which should be adjusted shortly.

The municipality, which describes an unfortunately recurring situation, will make a dumpster available to clean the watercourse with volunteers.