Barcelona's pneumatic waste collection system is one of the most advanced urban waste logistics networks in Europe, using a network of underground pipes to transport household waste at speeds of up to 70 kilometres per hour from street-level collection points to centralised processing stations. Originally deployed in the 22@ innovation district and progressively expanding to adjacent neighbourhoods, the system eliminates the need for conventional rubbish trucks in serviced areas, dramatically reducing traffic congestion, noise pollution, unpleasant odours, and carbon emissions associated with traditional waste collection.
The system operates through IoT-connected collection points embedded in pavements and building complexes. Sensors continuously monitor the fill levels of each inlet, and when capacity thresholds are reached, an automated suction mechanism is triggered to transport waste through the underground pipe network to a central collection plant. This demand-driven approach ensures efficient use of the infrastructure and avoids the fixed-schedule collection runs that characterise conventional systems, where trucks often visit bins that are not yet full.
Beyond operational efficiency, the pneumatic system delivers significant public realm benefits. By removing the need for large street-level waste containers, it frees up pavement space for pedestrians, cyclists, greenery, and outdoor seating. The absence of waste trucks on local streets improves air quality and road safety, contributing to Barcelona's broader vision of reclaiming urban space for people through initiatives such as the Superblocks programme.
The centralised processing plant enables more effective waste sorting and recycling, as materials arrive in controlled conditions rather than being compacted in truck compartments. Barcelona's pneumatic waste collection system serves as a reference model for cities worldwide seeking to modernise waste logistics, reduce the environmental footprint of urban sanitation, and enhance the quality of public space in dense urban areas.