Dedalus supports Leeds environmental initiative
Through the WasteShark initiative in Leeds Dedalus are helping to keep Leeds waterways clean and protecting the local environment
The future of Leeds WasteShark has been secured thanks to a number of corporate sponsors, including Dedalus and a successful crowdfunding campaign.
Together, twelve business sponsors and more than 400 donations from the public have raised over £45,000, enough to not only maintain the WasteShark’s mission of cleaning up Leeds waterfront for another year but also add an extra day a week to its efforts.
The funds now mean that WasteShark will not only be able to add to the 4,000 litres of organic matter, plastics and other debris it has already removed from Leeds waterways but target collecting an additional 4,500 litres of rubbish across 2025 and 2026.
Launched in May this year, the campaign to save Leeds WasteShark set out with a target of £24,000 to stay afloat and an extra £10,000 to add an extra day of cleaning. It has attracted the support from a range of Leeds’ businesses including Vastint UK (Aire Park), Canal River Trust, Mustard Wharf, Royal Armouries, Fullers Foods, Stericycle, Dedalus, Create (Leeds Dock), Tetra Tech, Redmayne Bentley, CPW and Bowmer and Kirkland.
Alongside this, a crowdfunding campaign was also launched, attracting over 400 donations.
Paul Ellison, the chairman of the Leeds Waterfront Group, which commissioned the WasteShark and started the crowdfunding campaign, said: “We’re blown away by the response to our Leeds WasteShark initiative, both from its original launch in 2024 but also our campaign to keep its mission going.
“We want to say a massive thank you to everyone who has shown their support, particularly our sponsors who will not only be providing funding but also helping us spread the message about keeping our waterways clean and protecting our local environment. WasteShark is unique to our city and it’s hugely gratifying to know that so many people share our desire to continue making a difference at a local level.”
Launched in Leeds in 2024, the WasteShark is an electric remote-controlled drone capable of scooping up 160 litres (50kg) of rubbish at a time in its wide mouth. Operated directly by its human controller, it’s also equipped with GPS, collision avoidance technology and a camera so as not to pose a risk to wildlife or other water users. Its launch marked the first time that the technology had been used this way in the UK.
During its first year of operation, it collected:
• More than 2,000 litres of organic matter
• More than 2,000 litres of plastics and other debris – equivalent to over 4,000 plastic bottles
The search for sponsors and crowdfunding campaign has been made possible with help from Leeds Civic Trust, Yorkshire Design Group, Biffa, Kiss Branding and Aberfield Communications, who provided support and assistance free of charge.