A Tipster asked today:
Is anyone currently having AVAC issues?
Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Chief Operating Officer Mary Cunneen reports that the AVAC (Automatic Vacuum Collection) underground garbage removal system has been out of service in several buildings recently. According to Ms Cunneen:
We want to share an update on recent AVAC activity along with a bit of context on our process and the importance of working together to prevent future jams.
Recently Resolved Jams
Building branches at 405, 415, 425, 430 & 480. Some required coordination with a pressure jetting company by the property manager to be cleared, extending the time the system was offline. These were successfully resolved before the holiday weekend. During the process, crews pulled out toilet rugs, buckets, clothing, hangers, kitty litter, and pillows – none of which are intended for the AVAC system. We are scheduling follow up meetings with these locations to review protocols.
Current Active Jams
Building branches at 10, 20, 30, 40, 595 & 888. DSNY is working on Buildings 10 & 40 today. 888 will likely need a pressure jetting intervention.
When DSNY flags an AVAC issue, RIOC will follow up directly with the property manager of the affected building. If a jam impacts the main line, RIOC will contact all property managers and issue an advisory.
The leading cause of jams are items ending up in the AVAC system that shouldn’t be. Each jam requires significant coordination, time and cost to resolve. We’ll be reinforcing and providing posters, to all property managers to educate residents on how to prevent jams. This guideline is key: When in doubt – leave it out!
Thank you,
Ms Cunneen described the problems caused by prohibited items being placed in the AVAC chutes causing clogging during the February 12, 2026 RIOC Operations Advisory Committee meeting.
During an October 23, 2022 tour of the Roosevelt Island AVAC facility I asked Sanitation Department worker TJ about crazy items that were placed in the AVAC chutes.
TJ answered that bed frames and TV sets have been thrown down the AVAC chute.
Watch the full video of the fascinating 2022 tour of the Roosevelt Island AVAC facility.
“When in doubt, leave it out” sounds snazzy. But then “If not there, then where?”. The island doesn’t have a lot of trash options. Throwing out a pithy slogan without offering a solution is just irresponsible.