Oakland launches drones to identify trash on streets

by Tanay Gokhale September 12, 2026September 12, 2026

Aerbits founder Brian Johnson, left, and Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee, right, demonstrate a drone flight for the Aerbits a program that uses AI-assisted aerial imaging technology to detect and report abandoned trash on streets and sidewalks in Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026. “I founded Aerbits because I saw a major gap in the data that was available to City crews on the streets, and I wanted our children to have a cleaner environment,” said Aerbits Founder Brian Johnson. “Aerbits enables cleanups to be timelier, more effective, and more equitable.” (City of Oakland via Bay City News)

THE CITY OF OAKLAND will deploy artificial intelligence-assisted drones to proactively detect abandoned trash on streets as part of its plan to crack down on illegal dumping, city officials announced this week.

The drones, called Aerbits, will scan the streets, identify garbage piles, and use AI to classify debris so that authorities can initiate cleanup efforts before receiving complaints from residents, a news release from Mayor Barbara Lee’s office said.

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