The Comune di Torino has unanimously approved a motion proposing the launch of a pilot programme to test the use of artificial intelligence in the management and prevention of illegal dumping of urban waste. Supported by all political parties, the measure tasks the city administration with working alongside Amiat — the public company responsible for environmental hygiene services — to assess AI-based technologies capable of supporting operators in their day-to-day work. In addition, the waste collection company has just allocated €19 million to renew its vehicle fleet through the purchase of 58 new vehicles, including street sweepers, vehicles dedicated to container washing, and vehicles for waste collection and transport.
The text of the motion calls for considering the adoption of tools such as automated systems for identifying illegally dumped waste and the optimization of collection routes, which could make monitoring and response processes faster and more effective. It also envisages the possible creation of a historical data platform to predict where and when waste accumulations are most likely to occur, thereby supporting more targeted prevention.
The motion highlights that the introduction of artificial intelligence in public services represents a new and fascinating chapter, rich in opportunities though not without challenges, emphasizing how digital acceleration can contribute to innovative solutions to make urban management more efficient and responses to residents’ needs more timely.
According to what emerged during the discussions, the use of intelligent systems is not intended to replace human operators, but rather to complement their work in order to improve detection and response times to incidents of illegal dumping—a phenomenon that continues to have a significant impact on urban cleanliness in Turin.
The proposed pilot project places Turin within a broader landscape of Italian cities — such as Bari, Palmanova, and Sassari — that have already launched or are considering the use of similar technologies to more effectively monitor practices related to illegally dumped waste.
When considering the operational aspects of the potential introduction of AI, several questions remain open regarding the concrete methods of implementation, including the placement of sensors or cameras on collection vehicles and in critical areas of the city. However, Amiat’s willingness to evaluate these tools was already expressed during the project’s preliminary phases.
The initiative reflects the Turin administration’s intention to adopt advanced digital approaches to address environmental and urban management needs, with the aim of combining technological innovation and environmental protection in a strategy that could also serve as a model for other Italian urban contexts.
