Russia Turns to AI to Eliminate Illegal Dumping in Buryatia

Ulan-Ude is installing smart surveillance cameras to automatically detect and deter trash violations in public spaces.

The city of Ulan-Ude, capital of Russia’s Republic of Buryatia, is deploying AI-powered surveillance systems to combat decades-old issues with illegal dumping. Smart cameras developed by Russian tech firms are being installed across the city as part of a broader initiative to automate environmental monitoring and enforcement.

Officials aim to eventually cover 1,000 public locations with round-the-clock oversight. The primary goal is to identify offenders automatically, improving enforcement and, over time, encouraging better behavior.

Other Russian regions have already reported success with this approach. In the Moscow suburbs, similar systems helped reduce illegal dumping incidents by nearly 50% over the past year. Authorities in Ulan-Ude hope the new AI solution will deliver the same results.