Background

Upgrading a Premium Development’s Pneumatic Waste System

Located in Singapore’s prestigious Marina Bay district, Marina Bay Residences is a 428-unit luxury development spanning two towers.

As part of a modernisation initiative, Greenwave was tasked with upgrading its aging pneumatic waste collection system to meet current performance, hygiene, and acoustic standard.

  • The existing pneumatic waste system no longer met the development’s performance and reliability requirements.

  • Upgrades were required to address hygiene and acoustic control in line with current expectations for luxury residential living.

Implementation Approach

The retrofit replaced and upgraded all major PWCS components to the latest AIRWASTE® specifications. Greenwave installed a new PLC-based AIRWASTE control system with remote monitoring and automation, converting the old controls to the modern vacuum system.

The team replaced the entire refuse chute piping and discharge valves, installing a rehabilitated pipe network with new joints to seal leaks. Acoustic treatments were applied in the Drop Valve rooms, and custom multi-layer insulation was fitted around the drop shafts to dampen noise. Mechanical components were replaced with new equipment.

All modifications complied with AIRWASTE standards, ensuring fully automated, enclosed waste handling

To address severe noise from refuse drops above meeting rooms, a custom three-layer acoustic buffer was installed. Leaky pipes were sealed using targeted rehabilitation methods, while odour was mitigated with self-closing louvers.

All works were executed within the constraints of the occupied high-rise infrastructure.

“Retrofitting an in-service system in a luxury tower meant turning constraints into engineered solutions — from silent drop valves to odour-proof relay.”

In summary

Highlights

Engineered Noise Mitigation.

  • Greenwave implemented a three-layer acoustic insulating assembly around storage sections to effectively absorb vibration and noise

Extending Infrastructure Lifespan.

  • Greenwave conducted in-place pipe rehabilitation, sealing punctures, and restoring structural integrity

    The rehabilitated infrastructure reduces costs and minimises construction impact

Odour Control & Hygiene Improvements.

  • Leaks and punctures in the existing conveyance pipe were rectified, and self-closing flaps were installed at DV room openings

  • Removes the need for multiple bin centres or daily truck pick-ups

In summary

Highlights

Engineered Noise Mitigation.

  • Greenwave implemented a three-layer acoustic insulating assembly around storage sections to effectively absorb vibration and noise

Extending Infrastructure Lifespan.

  • Greenwave conducted in-place pipe rehabilitation, sealing punctures, and restoring structural integrity

  • The rehabilitated infrastructure reduces costs and minimises construction impact

Odour Control & Hygiene Improvements.

  • Leaks and punctures in the existing conveyance pipe were rectified, and self-closing flaps were installed at DV room openings

  • Removes the need for multiple bin centres or daily truck pick-ups

Expertise in complex PWCS Projects

The Marina Bay Residences PWCS upgrade rejuvenated a legacy pneumatic waste network into a modern, low-impact system. Post-retrofit, the enclosed AIRWASTE system operates with greatly reduced noise and odour.

This project underscores Greenwave’s expertise in enhancing older infrastructure in high-density, high-end developments and showcasing how careful engineering can extend the life of critical building systems while satisfying both acoustic and hygiene requirements.