AVAC system on Roosevelt Island

'Open House' Weekend Features Garbage Collection by Vacuum on Roosevelt Island

By
Amy Pearl
Features | Sep 22, 2011

Ever wanted to see inside a waste water treatment plant? Or visit Edward Hopper's studio? What about taking a bike tour led by local high school students? This weekend is your chance.

October 15 and 16 mark the ninth annual Open House New York weekend, where free access is granted to skyscrapers, homes, cemeteries, performances and tours throughout the five boroughs.

This year, that access includes a tour of the AVAC System on Roosevelt Island. The Automated Vacuum Collection System (AVAC) uses underground tunnels to move all the residential garbage on the island to the compactor. 

WNYC toured the site recently and brings you this video.

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