TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A research team from Tatung University developed an AI-powered system that detects illegal dumping.

According to Taipei’s Department of Environmental Protection, those caught dumping household trash in public bins can be fined between NT$1,200 (US$36) and NT$6,000 per the Waste Disposal Act. The university said in a Wednesday press release that environmental workers spend long hours watching surveillance footage to catch illegal dumping, which causes fatigue and eye strain.

Professor Hsieh Chen-chiung (謝禎冏) said the system automates this process, significantly reducing their workload. The AI compiles violations into an Excel file with timestamps and video links, allowing officers to review incidents quickly.

Since its pilot launch in January, the system has achieved an 88% accuracy rate and can identify trash bags, cardboard boxes, and license plates, per CNA. When the program is officially launched later this month, it is expected to reach 95% accuracy and offer even faster processing.

Hsieh explained that the AI model, through training and learning, can be applied to industrial inspection and object recognition. It not only performs accurate target detection but also provides real-time responsiveness.

He added that the system can be adapted to identify traffic accidents and robberies, helping reduce response time.