3 MIN READ
12-07-2024
Mattresses in Rivers: The Silent Flood Risk No One Talks About
Kubik, 4ocean Bali Content Correspondent
Heavy rains swept through Bali on November 19, 2024, turning the Samblong River into a flood channel choked with household waste—plastic, furniture, and even three waterlogged mattresses. For the 4ocean Riverboom Team, it wasn’t just another cleanup; it was a sobering look at habits that harm communities and ecosystems alike.
Captain Maman and his team waded through the flood’s aftermath, uncovering unexpected debris. “We found three mattresses,” he recalls, “one tangled in the net, two stuck on the riverbank. They were heavy, soaked through—dragging them out was exhausting.”
Why would anyone dump a mattress into a river? The question lingered as they worked.
Total Waste Removed: 983.01 lbs, including:
- Mattresses and household items
- Plastic bags and buckets
- Abandoned school bags
Beyond clearing waste, the impact was profound: unblocking waterways, improving water quality, and protecting aquatic life. Each item removed meant preventing future floods and protecting communities downstream.
“The floodwaters don’t ‘clean’ the river; they spread the problem,” Maman explains. “People need to understand the damage this causes. We hope authorities step in to change these habits.”
His words echo a larger truth: Environmental care starts at home.
Ghost Net Bracelet
Shop Now - Clean The Ocean
Dragging soaked mattresses wasn’t easy. The team used nets and let the foam drain before hauling them out. Their effort embodies a bigger message: Small actions, like proper disposal, can prevent large-scale environmental harm.
Instead of dumping old mattresses:
- Donate: Give them to someone in need.
- Recycle: Find local centers that repurpose materials.
- Resell: Secon-hand shops often accept them.
Together, these steps protect rivers—and futures.
