IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute

Underground waste: Vacuum System Takes Waste Management to a New Level

A new, smart solution for waste management reduces the need for road transport and minimises other environmental impacts. The solution is stationary pneumatic refuse collection, using a vacuum to transport waste through underground pipes, separating different types of waste into different containers.

A stationary pneumatic refuse collection system means waste doesn’t need to be collected by truck. Instead, it is transported underground by air in pipes and then compacted in sealed containers. Besides minimising the need for road transport, this solution eliminates problems of unpleasant odours, and nobody needs to come into contact with waste bags or containers, unlike with traditional refuse management. Additional benefits of this innovative system include:
• Collection of refuse and recyclables close to the point of origin.
• Automated transport of waste and recyclables underground from deposit point to collection station.
• Minimised manual handling.
• Reduced negative environmental effects, such as energy consumption, gas emissions and littering.
• Reduction of waste volumes by encouraging recycling.

How it works

A stationary pneumatic refuse system transports waste long distances through pipes to a collection station, where the refuse is compacted in sealed containers. To transport the waste, the system uses air generated by fans that create negative pressure in the pipe system. The air enters the pipes at atmospheric pressure, traps the solid waste and conveys it to the collection station.

Separating different types of waste

A stationary pneumatic refuse collection system can handle multiple types of waste concurrently, using one refuse chute for each separate waste stream. Typically, two to four separate waste streams are handled in the same transport pipe network. At the collection station, each waste stream is directed to a designated container. Collecting each waste type separately prevents any risk of mixing waste and recyclables.

Food market success story

One example of the successful use of this kind of vacuum system is Stockholm’s renowned Östermalmshallen food market. The market hall has installed a vacuum waste system that removes the large amounts of waste generated at the market. The waste is thrown into conveniently located disposal inlets and transported through pipes to a refrigerated storage unit in the basement. In storage, the waste turns into a thick sludge and is later emptied by vacuum truck and transported to a biogas plant. This system eliminates all manual handling and turns the waste into an important environmental resource.

For Östermalmshallen, the solution has proven to be both environmentally and financially sustainable. It has also improved working conditions and cleanliness in the market hall. The waste inlets are conveniently integrated into workstations, improving the hygiene of market stall counters and the waste storage room. And since the system is hermetically sealed, the waste does not attract pests or insects, nor release any unpleasant odours.


Similar Best Practices

Manufacture in Wood – Sustainable Wooden Design

Manufacture in Wood – Sustainable Wooden Design

‘Manufacture in wood’ is a gathering of forces from the wood construction industry and the wood-based interior design industry. The project will take advantage of the expertise available in production, automation and digital systems so that companies that work with wooden house construction, interior design and design can develop, with new solutions and smarter processes.

Kristineberg Center – Accelerating Sustainable Blue Growth

Kristineberg Center – Accelerating Sustainable Blue Growth

Kristineberg Center is an open partnership founded to accelerate the transition to a sustainable blue economy. The mission is to advance the implementation of research and knowledge.

Near Infrared Sorting of Plastics from Household Waste Reduces Emissions by 75 %

Near Infrared Sorting of Plastics from Household Waste Reduces Emissions by 75 %

This plant outside of Stockholm is the first of its kind in Sweden, using the Near-Infrared Technology to automatically sort out plastics from household waste. A total of 11,000 tonnes of plastic and 2,500 tonnes of metal are sorted out each year.

Waste to Energy Facility in Högbytorp

Waste to Energy Facility in Högbytorp

In a circular economy, waste is a resource that can be recycled into materials and energy. And that is exactly what is happening in the recycling facility in Högbytorp!

Energy Evolution Center

Energy Evolution Center

The Energy Evolution Center will be an arena for innovative solutions that lead to real energy conversion, increased competitiveness in companies and ensure long-term supply of skills.

Last-Mile Delivery – Inner-City Distribution

Last-Mile Delivery – Inner-City Distribution

Last-mile delivery is the final stage of an item’s journey, where it reaches the end customer. It’s also the most carbon-intensive stage. Growth in e-commerce is increasing both traffic congestion and CO2 emissions from delivery vehicles. Intensive work is underway in Gothenburg to test carbon-neutral concepts for last-mile deliveries.

Tvärpilen – a Small Residential Area, Big on Sustainability

Tvärpilen – a Small Residential Area, Big on Sustainability

The village of Kivik in south-east Sweden is where you’ll find the new residential area Tvärpilen, which combines beauty, sustainability and responsibility in perfect harmony.

Fossil-free steel demonstration plant in Vitåfors – direct reduction of iron ore pellets with hydrogen

Fossil-free steel demonstration plant in Vitåfors – direct reduction of iron ore pellets with hydrogen

HYBRIT’s demonstration plant in Vitåfors, northern Sweden, will demonstrate the value chain for fossil-free steel on an industrial scale. It includes production of hydrogen in order to manufacture sponge iron by direct reduction. The plant is due to open in 2026.

Fossil-free steel pilot plant reduces iron ore pellets use with hydrogen

Fossil-free steel pilot plant reduces iron ore pellets use with hydrogen

HYBRIT is conducting trials on direct reduction of iron ore pellets, using hydrogen produced by fossil-free electricity. Currently, a pilot hydrogen storage is being built to test the best way to store hydrogen underground.

Site East –  a Climate-Neutral Construction Site

Site East – a Climate-Neutral Construction Site

At Skellefteå Site East, close to Northvolt’s factory, one of the world’s most sustainable development projects has been conducted. Maximising the cutting-edge know-how of both Skellefteå Municipality and external partners, Site East is a source of inspiration for the industry. It has the boldness to adopt new approaches to sustainability and work with contractors towards a common vision.

Skellefteå Airport – the First Fossil-Free Airport

Skellefteå Airport – the First Fossil-Free Airport

As the global aviation sector faces increasing demands to get on a sustainable flightpath, one airport in northern Sweden has gained a head start. It aims to become Europe’s, and probably the world’s, first fossil-free airport. It is also preparing to become a test centre for electrically powered and vertical take-off aircraft.

Blue Green City Lab Evaluates Sustainable Solutions

Blue Green City Lab Evaluates Sustainable Solutions

At times of more extreme weather caused by climate change, the downside of dense cities with few green spaces and more paved surfaces is evident; extreme heat, flooding and reduced biodiversity. Blue Green City Lab is a test bed that evaluates new and proven ‘blue-green’ solutions to mitigate these effects.

My Visit Plan Favorite star