The Hague is exploring the use of an underground pneumatic waste transport system to replace traditional rubbish bins and reduce collection trucks in high-density areas.
The system uses vacuum tubes to suck rubbish bags directly from inlets inside residential buildings to a central collection facility.
Feasibility study in Laakhaven
A feasibility study is currently underway for roughly 8,000 homes in Laakhaven Centraal, an area near Den Haag Hollands Spoor railway station that is undergoing major redevelopment.
The central collection point could be integrated into existing infrastructure, such as a parking garage or a railway embankment.
According to a spokesperson for alderman Isabelle Broeders, the setup requires significantly less storage space inside apartment buildings and cuts down on traffic from heavy garbage trucks.
Potential rollout to other districts
The study for Laakhaven Centraal is scheduled for completion in November 2027.
Depending on those findings, the municipality plans to assess whether similar underground networks could work in the Binckhorst or parts of Zuidwest.
While new to The Hague, vacuum waste systems already operate in Almere, Arnhem, and parts of Scandinavia and Asia, while Amsterdam and Schiedam are also pursuing the technology.
Neighboring Rijswijk previously considered a similar project, though high setup costs required further review.
For practical household disposal advice, see our guide to rubbish and recycling in The Hague.
