Coco's Fro Mix

In parts of some Swedish cities, including areas of Stockholm, an automated vacuum or pneumatic waste collection system is in use. Users sort their trash and drop it into special inlets or chutes instead of relying only on traditional outdoor bins.

Powerful fans create suction that pulls the waste through underground pipes at high speed, up to 70 km/h, to a central collection station. There, separately collected waste streams are directed to designated containers, compacted, and prepared for recycling or further processing.

This technology was first developed in Sweden in the 1960s by the company Envac. Because waste travels sealed underground, it does not sit in bins on streets, which reduces odors and improves hygiene.

The system also cuts the number of garbage trucks needed, lowering traffic, noise, and emissions. It is used in modern residential developments and represents an innovative approach to urban waste management adopted in multiple Swedish areas.