AI implementation in European waste management

Municipalities in Germany and Slovenia are deploying artificial intelligence to improve waste management and citizen engagement.

In Maintal, Germany, a pilot phase for an AI assistant named ‘KIRMA’ began on September 1, 2026. Developed in collaboration with Rhein-Main Abfall GmbH and Frankfurter Entsorgungs- und Service GmbH, the tool provides 24/7 multilingual support for inquiries regarding recycling procedures, collection schedules, and disposal. The initiative is part of a digitalization strategy to make administrative knowledge more accessible and reduce routine inquiries for municipal staff.

In Slovenia, Okolje Piran launched ‘Živa’, an AI-powered assistant co-financed by the Ministry of the Environment, Climate and Energy. The tool assists users in sorting nearly 600 types of waste using national guidelines and offers support in multiple languages, including Slovenian, English, Italian, Croatian, German, and Hungarian.

Concurrently, in Maribor, the waste management company Snaga reported safety concerns regarding improper disposal. Workers identified hazardous materials in mixed municipal waste, such as electronics, batteries, and needles, which present fire and injury risks, alongside issues with excessive food waste and unusual items.