Council launches AI-assisted tool to report waste

A new waste reporting tool, utilising advances in AI technology, has been launched by Westminster City Council. 

With the online chat tool launching on 11 March, people will be able to report occurrences of waste, fly tipping, graffiti and animal fouling in one minute. To use the tool, users upload an image and answers a few questions on the Council’s website, and the AI technology determines the location and the type of issue being reported. This reduces the time taken to report street-based issues to under 60 seconds. 

The waste assistant is one of the first public facing tools in the public sector to use this type of technology and is the next evolution in delivering a seamless user experience. This streamlined service is a result of significant engagement and user-centred design with our residents.  A web form for residents to report issues will be available, updated with AI imaging technology. 

Cllr David Boothroyd, Cabinet Member for Finance and Council Reform said:  

“We are leading the public sector in utilising AI to improve our services. Residents and visitors can now report dumped rubbish, overflowing bins, graffiti, or other street cleaning issues in half the time. The tool has been designed with residents who use the service, as part of our wider work to create a fairer environment.”