Using Computer Vision to Clean Up San Francisco Streets

Rubbish, a company founded by Emin Israfil, is leveraging AI to address urban litter issues, as exemplified by their work in San Francisco with a tool called LitterBug. Utilizing computer vision and real-time AI through dash camera footage, LitterBug detects and maps litter hotspots, creating a comprehensive heat map for targeted clean-up efforts. This approach was notably effective in the SOMA West district, where litter and hazardous waste issues were significantly reduced following data-driven interventions. At the Cerebral Valley: AI in Climate Tech Hackathon, LitterBug won multiple awards for its innovative approach, and the Rubbish team is now refining the tool for wider deployment, with plans to integrate it into their iOS app and expand partnerships across California. The initiative highlights the potential of AI in environmental advocacy, emphasizing the importance of data in optimizing urban cleanliness and engaging the community in sustainability efforts.