Available 24/7
Keeps courtyards and sidewalks clean, replacing overflowing trash bins.
Mobile Pneumatic Waste Collection System
Waste is stored in underground tanks and extracted by a vacuum truck, reducing bin clutter and collection traffic. Ideal for areas where a stationary system isn’t feasible.
Envac introduced the Mobile Pneumatic Waste Collection System in the late 1980s as a flexible alternative to its underground Stationary Systems. In this solution, all technology is integrated into the vehicle instead of a fixed terminal, making it ideal for areas where a full stationary system isn’t feasible. Since its launch, thousands of residential areas have adopted this innovative approach.
Today, Envac’s modern collection vehicles feature advanced control systems, enabling drivers to efficiently manage and monitor the collection process directly from onboard control panels. All vehicles now operate on fossil-free fuel, and the goal is to transition to 100% electric-powered units in the near future.
Many benefits for waste management on the urban environment
Reduced noise, emissions, and heavy traffic
Compared to traditional waste management methods.
Smart and simple recycling
Integrated into the same system.
Optimised land use
Frees up space for commercial areas, bike storage, and more.
Convenient
Smartly placed, more hygienic waste chutes for easy disposal.
Efficient, predictive waste management
Users dispose of waste in conveniently placed inlets, located indoors or outdoors, which connect to underground storage tanks via a pipe network. Strategically positioned docking points ensure that collection vehicles do not need to enter residential streets or courtyards, improving safety and accessibility. Waste is collected at regular intervals based on storage capacity, with vacuum trucks using negative pressure to extract and compact the waste. The system also features weight measurement, allowing precise tracking of collected waste for billing purposes. Designed for maximum convenience, it reduces walking distances to disposal points while maintaining cleanliness and organisation. Particularly beneficial in family-friendly areas, it minimises the need for heavy transport within residential zones, enhancing safety. With extensive experience, Envac accurately determines the optimal number of inlets and tank sizes based on waste volumes and collection frequency, ensuring an optimised and sustainable solution.
Suitable for both small and large developments
Envac’s Mobile Pneumatic Waste Collection System offers exceptional flexibility, making it suitable for both small properties with as few as ten apartments and large developments with hundreds or even thousands of residences.
It is particularly well-suited for older buildings, including those with basements that can house one or more underground storage tanks. These tanks connect to a docking point outside the building, streamlining waste collection without disrupting the surrounding area. In many cases, existing waste chutes can also be seamlessly integrated into the system, enhancing efficiency while preserving the building’s original infrastructure.
Maximises available space
As cities become more densely populated, the need for green spaces grows. These areas improve urban resilience and the quality of life for both residents and visitors.
In a smart city, waste management is moved underground, reclaiming valuable surface space for people, children, and cyclists. Envac’s advanced waste collection system eliminates the need for traditional bin storage, large recycling stations, and frequent waste truck routes, replacing them with smart, efficient waste chutes that contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable urban environment.
Working with reuse, reduce and recycle
Smart cities prioritise resource efficiency, ensuring that recycling is easy and accessible. Waste that cannot be recycled is instead repurposed for energy production or composting, minimising environmental impact.
Envac’s waste collection system is user-friendly and designed to manage a wide range of recyclable materials. Non-recyclable waste is efficiently converted into electricity, district heating, or compost, supporting a cleaner, more sustainable urban environment.
Docking point
These docking points are positioned in such a way as to ensure that the vacuum truck picking up the waste causes minimal disruption by avoiding gardens, narrow streets and densely populated areas.
Waste inlets
Waste inlets are positioned centrally. Users throw their waste bags into readily accessible waste inlets located either indoors or outdoors. The waste is then stored in closed underground screw tanks, which are linked together with docking points by a network of underground pipes.
Tanks
The underground tanks are emptied regularly depending on the amount of waste discarded and the storage capacity of the screw tanks. The vacuum truck, which empties the tanks via the docking points, creates a vacuum in the pipe system. Once this vacuum has reached a required level the waste is sucked seamlessly out of the screw tanks, through the pipe system and into the vacuum truck, where it is compressed.
Pipes
The waste is transported from the tank to the vacuum vehicle at a rate of 70 km/hour.
Truck
When the waste reaches the truck, it is separated from the air, which is filtered before being released through the truck’s roof. The waste is then compacted into the truck’s container. Up to 80 m3 of waste can be stored in the truck before it needs to be emptied.
100% renewable fuel
The garbage truck is fueled by either 100% renewable fuel or is fully electric.
Weight Measurement
During the emptying process, the amount of waste collected per tank is recorded using onboard weight measurement. This data can be used to invoice individual property owners or businesses based on the waste they generate.
Accessibility
Since the waste chutes are interconnected, the system can be designed with a focus on user comfort and accessibility. Walking distances can be minimized, while centralized chute placement ensures better cleanliness and less littering. This optimization results in happier users and improved recycling rates.
Child-Friendly Areas
In areas with many families, such as residential neighborhoods, traditional waste management methods pose a risk of accidents. Envac’s mobile system is ideal for such areas, as it reduces the need for heavy vehicles to enter the neighborhood.
Questions and answers about the Mobile Pneumatic Waste Collection System
What material are the pipes made of?
The pipes are made of steel.
How is corrosion managed?
The pipes are protected with a PE coating. However, corrosion may occur if they are installed in corrosive environments. Regular ventilation reduces the risk of corrosion, providing effective protection and offering a much more cost-efficient solution than using stainless steel pipes.
How deep are the pipes installed?
The pipes are typically installed about one meter below street level.
What is the maximum incline for a pipe?
The incline should not exceed 20° upwards. For shorter distances, the mobile system can handle vertical inclines if necessary. Steeper inclines require a stronger airflow, which increases pipe wear. The maximum incline can vary depending on its location in the system and the distance from the incline to the docking point of the collection vehicle.
Can the system be installed in existing buildings?
Yes, it is often done. Many of our installations are in existing areas. Both outdoor and indoor chutes can be installed. If buildings already have trash chutes, it may be possible to connect them to the system. Installing mobile systems is common in smaller residential buildings with as few as 15 apartments.
What is the airspeed for waste transportation in the pipes?
The airspeed varies between 18 and 25 m/s, depending on the waste density and transport distance.
What is the level of vacuum pressure?
The vacuum pressure is typically around 30 kPa, though this can vary between systems.
Key segments for Mobile Pneumatic Waste Collection System
This system is primarily used in residential, city, and mixed/commercial segments, providing efficient and sustainable waste management.
Cities
The system reduces waste-related congestion, lowers emissions, and frees up space for greener, more liveable urban environments.