Pneumatic tubes get wave of political support in New York

A long-discussed concept to install pneumatic waste collection tubes along the 1.5-mile High Line elevated park corridor in New York recently picked up key support.

Rep. Jerrold Nadler, City Council Speaker Corey Johnson, the Manhattan borough president, multiple state legislators, and the local community board have all sent letters asking for backing from Mayor Bill de Blasio's administration.

This follows a new report from project team ClosedLoops — completed with state and federal funding — that studied implementation opportunities.

As currently envisioned, the tube system could handle up to 60 tons per day from surrounding commercial and residential buildings via a series of inlets. Material could then be transported by rail for processing or disposal in the region.

Onward!