In Södertälje, Sweden, Corvid Cleaning has launched a pilot project training wild crows to collect cigarette butts in exchange for food rewards. The startup installed a special device where crows can deposit discarded filters and receive peanuts or other treats. This unconventional approach aims to tackle one of Sweden's most common forms of urban litter.

Cigarette butts make up about 62% of all litter in Sweden, creating significant cleanup costs for cities. The Södertälje project could reduce street-cleaning expenses by up to 75% if successful. The device uses sensors to distinguish cigarette butts from leaves or stones, dispensing rewards only for the correct items through positive reinforcement training.

The initiative raises important questions about animal welfare and environmental responsibility. Crows handling toxic cigarette filters may face health risks, and there's ongoing debate about whether using wildlife for cleanup tasks is ethical. While the project has drawn international attention as an innovative example of leveraging animal intelligence, its long-term viability depends on crow participation and sustained motivation.