UCI4SmartCity Project: Urban Cleanliness Index for Smart Cities

Public spaces accumulate residues from natural and human activities, impacting aesthetics and contributing to pollution. Street cleanliness shapes a city’s image, requiring significant resources. To improve cleaning efficiency, mechanisms are needed to identify cleanliness factors, support preventive actions, and monitor service quality. UCI4SmartCity provides decision-support tools to Porto Ambiente, the company responsible for solid waste management in Porto, aiming to: (a) develop an Urban Cleanliness Index (UCI) based on public perception; (b) create an Android app for data collection; and (c) identify and quantify waste using machine learning (ML). This novel approach addresses inefficiencies in cleaning, which account for 10–20% of municipal budgets. A new UCI model, reflecting local standards, will assess service performance and guide sweeping schedules. The project uses pattern recognition to characterise areas by litter types. Two methods support UCI data collection: a mobile app for public reporting and image uploads, and ML for waste classification using the collected images. These enable real-time litter detection and improved cleaning response. Expected impacts include improved cleanliness, operational efficiency, and public engagement. UCI4SmartCity complies with data protection laws and promotes transparency. By integrating technology and community participation, it supports sustainable development goals, enhancing Porto’s sustainability and quality of life.