New AI tech to stop dumping at Salvos North Geelong op shop

New technology has seen $20,000 in infringements issued to people who have dumped goods and rubbish at a store in North Geelong since January.

Tennille Bradley and Steven Spiranovic from City of Greater Geelong with new CCTV technology being used to tackle illegal dumping outside the Salvation Army charity store in North Geelong. Picture: Brad Fleet

New technology at a North Geelong charity shop aims to save thousands of dollars and hours of time by tackling illegal dumping.

City of Greater Geelong partnered with InnerVision Engineering Services to install a cutting-edge solution using computer vision, artificial intelligence and machine learning at the Salvation Army store in North Geelong.

As a result, 26 infringements have been issued at this known high-volume dumping Thompson Rd site since January, to the value of $20,000.

Fines for littering start at $322 if issued on the spot and extend up to $9900 when imposed by a court.

This semi-autonomous system has reduced the manual workload for staff, saving more than 180 hours a year by detecting unlawful dumping incidents in CCTV footage.

Mayor Trent Sullivan said the city was using clever digital and data-driven solutions to address challenges to ensure the region was clean and safe for everyone.

Dumping at the Salvation Army op shop in North Geelong. Picture: Supplied

“Illegal dumping of rubbish outside charity shops is an ongoing issue for the city and charities, costing thousands to clean up and dispose of, and draining resources that could be better spent on community programs and services,” he said.

“By using a more effective technology for this North Geelong charity shop, we are promoting a cleaner and healthier urban environment, ensuring our resources are used more effectively and allowing this store to focus on supporting those in need.”

Councillor Peter Murrihy, chair of the environment and circular economy portfolio, said dumped rubbish was a rising problem for many councils.

“People who dump rubbish in Greater Geelong are costing ratepayers more than $1m per year,” he said.

“Don’t forget, we offer two free hard waste collections to all homes each year and waste can also be dropped off at our resource recovery centres at Douro Street, North Geelong and Becks Road, Drysdale.”

People who see someone dumping rubbish or dumped rubbish they can report it online to the city or call 5272 5272.

The Salvation Army spends millions of dollars each year to dispose of unsellable items that have been left outside stores.

It’s illegal to leave goods outside stores after hours as it creates a public hazard.

Originally published as New AI tech to stop dumping at Salvos North Geelong op shop