AI-powered app launched to tackle fast-litter problem in Stroud District
The new project aims to address takeaway packaging litter in rural areas.
A new project has been launched in Stroud District to combat the growing problem of ‘fast-litter’—takeaway packaging discarded from vehicles—that is damaging rural areas and posing risks to local wildlife.
The initiative, which involves a partnership between University of Gloucestershire, Stroud District Council, and Litter Free Stroud, has received £30,000 in funding to last until July 2026. It combines academic research with advanced technology to uncover patterns of fast-littering and generate solutions.
At the heart of the project is an AI-enabled mobile app and dashboard developed by the University of Gloucestershire’s School of Business, Computing and Social Sciences. The app allows community members to photograph and log fast-litter items, recording their location and identifying the food brand associated with the waste.
Dr. Richard Cook, Principal Investigator and environmental sociology expert, said:
“Fast-litter is a growing problem in rural areas. As more fast-food brands offer drive-through options, we are seeing a marked increase in litter across the countryside.
“This partnership gives us the opportunity to understand the scale of the issue and use cutting-edge technology to support real change.
“As the technology behind the app uses open source AI, there is also the opportunity to roll this scheme out nationally or adapt it for different social causes.”
The data collected will help local authorities analyse litter hotspots, guide public engagement campaigns, and hold fast-food providers accountable for their environmental responsibilities.
The project includes a range of public engagement activities, including social media campaigns, vlogs, and a community exhibition planned for July 2026.
Cllr Gill Thomas, Member Champion for Litter and Clean Environment at Stroud District Council, said:
“Litter damages our countryside, harms wildlife, and undermines the rural environment that our communities value so deeply.
“These fast-litter items are becoming increasingly troublesome because they do not easily break down. This partnership allows us to combine community action with world-class research and digital innovation to take a smarter, more proactive approach.”
Eric Torrington from Litter Free Stroud added:
“I am delighted to support the project. Since 2018, I estimate I’ve picked up over 700,000 litter items, and a lot of it is food-on-the-go litter.
“Turning anecdotal litter-picking into clear, evidence-based data will show exactly where litter hotspots are and what types of waste are most common.”
The initiative aims to generate academic insights and inform policy both locally and nationally, with plans to secure long-term funding to extend the programme. The findings from this ground-breaking project could potentially shape environmental strategies and improve rural cleanliness across the UK.