With numerous cameras and artificial intelligence: this is how Antwerp is increasingly intensifying its (costly) fight against illegal dumping

Antwerp's 'Team Hercules' expands from 20 to 31 members to combat illegal dumping using AI and cameras. The city spends €44.88 million annually on waste cleanup. The team identifies offenders through AI alerts and on-site investigations, issuing fines starting at €150. In 2025, the city recovered €306,280 in cleanup costs, more than double from 2024. Mayor Els van Doesburg emphasizes the need to change the mentality of polluters. The team employs AI to enhance efficiency, while human oversight ensures accurate identification of violations. The maximum fine for illegal dumping can reach €500 for adults.