A Clean Zone: AI in the Moscow Region Tracks Littering on Children’s Playgrounds
In the Moscow region, a high-tech push for cleanliness is unfolding where it matters most – on children’s playgrounds. Since early 2025, the “Safe Region” video surveillance system, enhanced with artificial intelligence, has identified 193 cases of littering on playgrounds.
A Clean Playground
Each incident becomes grounds for an administrative fine of 2,000 rubles (about $24) under regulations covering violations of environmental requirements. The initiative, aptly named “Clean Children’s Playground,” illustrates how digital technologies are reshaping everyday urban life in very practical ways.
Algorithms continuously analyze video streams from cameras that are part of one of the largest surveillance networks in the country. When a piece of litter – packaging, a can, or other waste – is detected, the information is automatically sent to the site’s managing organization and then forwarded to law enforcement. Police identify the offender using photo and video evidence. The system simultaneously evaluates conditions across numerous playgrounds throughout the region.
Oversight by an AI Assistant
In recent years, Russia has actively expanded the use of video monitoring beyond traffic enforcement into environmental protection and urban maintenance. The Moscow region already has experience with digital monitoring to eliminate illegal dumps. A nationwide waste reform launched in 2019, along with separate collection programs and volunteer initiatives such as the “Clean Games,” created the broader context in which targeted rule enforcement builds on larger efforts.
Through Safe Region cameras, authorities monitor public order, detect, and help prevent violations. The cameras are installed in residential courtyards, building entrances, and near public childcare facilities. In total, an AI assistant oversees cleanliness in residential areas using about 66,000 cameras.
Technologically, the system can be further refined to enable more precise and faster recognition of violations in real time. Geographically, it could be expanded to parks, public squares, and recreational zones. Data could also be integrated with mobile apps for citizen complaints, creating a closed loop of “report – verification – response.” The Moscow region’s experience is likely to be adopted by other Russian regions.
An Effective Tool
The use of smart technologies leads to cleaner and safer courtyards where children are not playing among cigarette butts and plastic waste. For local authorities, the system provides an effective tool for monitoring urban maintenance and for proactively shaping public behavior.
By 2026–2027, higher levels of automation can be expected, with AI systems capable not only of detecting violations but also classifying their types. The practice is likely to spread to other regions of Russia. More importantly, it is becoming an integral part of the smart city ecosystem, where technology supports cleanliness, order, and comfort at the very core of residential neighborhoods – where children play.
