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Discarded waste across an open site, with smoke rising and birds overhead.

We detected uncontrolled waste disposal in Moldova

Using satellite imagery and AI, Landfill Watch identified additional waste-site candidates in Moldova. Their mapped locations and estimated boundaries provide a starting point for inspections and repeat monitoring.

Explore the findings
Area screened
2,465.1 km²
Districts covered
3
Known sites From public data
19
New sites detected By Landfill Watch
6

Newly detected sites are screening candidates for expert review and field verification.

Known and newly detected waste sites in Moldova

Compare the public inventory with additional sites flagged by satellite screening. Select a site to see its location and boundary.

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Uncontrolled disposal is a regional challenge.

EBRD’s 2022 assessment described limited rural collection and reliance on dumpsites in Ungheni, Nisporeni and Călărași.

Landfill fires can spread beyond the waste site and affect nearby communities, as the Călărași report shows.

Read EBRD report (PDF, opens in a new tab)

2022 regional baseline

Ungheni, Nisporeni and Călărași

Disposal sitesMost were open dumps.
~100
Rural collection coverageRural residents with a waste-collection service.
15%
Tonnes of waste per yearMunicipal waste generated in the region.
~44,000
EBRD, 2022 · p. 9 (PDF, opens in a new tab)
A landfill fire in Călărași
Moldova 1 (opens in a new tab)

Why it matters

The effects of uncontrolled waste can reach beyond the dumpsite.

  • Fires and smoke

    Burning waste can release harmful smoke and affect nearby communities.

    Illustrative photograph of smoke rising over piles of waste.

  • Soil and water pollution

    Pollutants from unmanaged waste can reach surrounding soil and water.

    Illustrative photograph of a water channel through cracked soil.

  • Expanding dumpsites

    Repeat satellite imagery helps reveal new waste sites and visible changes in their boundaries.

    Illustrative elevated view of a dumpsite with waste and access tracks.

  • Impact on communities

    Mapping waste sites near settlements helps focus inspections, cleanup and follow-up.

    Illustrative aerial view of homes and green spaces in a rural settlement.

What we found beyond public records.

Public records were the starting point. Satellite imagery and AI helped us look beyond them.

Public records
19

Known sites

Sites listed in existing public inventories and records.

19 recorded sites

Satellite screening

Wider-area screening with AI and expert review.

  • Analyse satellite imagery

    Look for potential waste sites across the wider area.

  • Review the findings

    Expert review helps narrow down the candidates.

  • Prepare for follow-up

    Map locations and estimated site boundaries.

New findings
+6

Additional candidates

Not present in the public inventory.

+6 candidates
See the mapped sites

Screening result: candidate locations and estimated boundaries support prioritisation. Field verification is required to confirm site status and impacts.

A clear process, built around your needs.

We support your team with evidence, planning, monitoring and stakeholder coordination — from detection to inspection prioritisation

Explore the 3 steps. Select a step to view its image.

    • Define the problem, area and scale.
    • Agree on the goals and decisions the monitoring should support.
    • Set the monitoring needs and what success looks like.
    Map illustration with a selected monitoring area.

    • Establish a baseline of known and potential waste sites.
    • Detect new potential sites and track visible changes over time.
    • Flag significant changes for further review.
    Illustration of imagery translated into potential waste sites and change monitoring.

    • Combine imagery with local records, previous findings and available context.
    • Prioritise sites using agreed risk and operational criteria.
    • Turn the results into a focused list for inspection and follow-up.
    Illustration of detected sites reviewed and ordered for field inspection.

Built for the way you work.

  • Your schedule

    One survey or regular updates, scoped to your needs and budget.

  • Focused fieldwork

    Spend inspection time on the sites that matter to your team.

  • Measurable outcomes

    Agree indicators and assess progress against a baseline.

  • Shared decisions

    Bring authorities, specialists and local knowledge into the same plan.

What would you like to address?

Whether you manage a region, support environmental work or run waste operations, tell us your area and the decision you need to make.

Discuss your projectinfo@climatescope.io

We’ll agree the scope and support your team needs.