## 2. Typic Refuse Chute Design  
Typically, a refuse chute consists of a cap, ventilation duct, intake door, chute duct, fire barrier, and container compartments. If necessary, sound and thermal insulation can also be added to the refuse chute system. A typical refuse chute design is shown in Figure 1.  
Refuse chutes are used to quickly and effectively collect waste from various floors of residential or office units within a building. In this system, users can dispose of their waste without having to carry it outside, providing significant convenience in tall buildings. Additionally, as long as regular cleaning and maintenance are conducted to ensure a healthy environment, refuse chutes can prevent the buildup of foul odors and pests without the need to store waste outdoors [17]. However, there are several challenges and limitations that must be considered in the design and implementation of these systems. Given the health crises encountered today, it is crucial to focus on the potential of these systems to minimize infection risks. Incorporating innovative approaches that address such health concerns in refuse chute design can provide substantial contributions to sustainability and safety. Specifically, issues such as maintenance requirements, noise levels, fire safety, system durability, and longevity can directly impact the effectiveness and reliability of refuse chute systems. For instance, if regular maintenance is neglected, accumulated waste in the chutes can lead to unpleasant odors and hygiene issues. In the event of a fire in the garbage room, refuse chutes can act almost like a chimney, allowing smoke and flames to reach upper floors and posing a potential danger to the building occupants. In refuse chutes, there is an upward airflow from the bottom, and it must be recognized that, if not properly managed, this airflow can lead to the spread of airborne diseases. The entry of pathogens into the body through respiration can cause respiratory, visual, neurological, and cardiovascular issues. Therefore, when designing refuse chutes, it is essential to plan not only for waste disposal, but also to ensure that the building occupants have access to sufficient outdoor air and that a healthy indoor environment is maintained. For this purpose, a sensor or PLC-controlled exhaust fan system should be incorporated into the system. Globally, solid waste management has historically witnessed significant changes from manual waste collection systems to pneumatic waste collection systems in terms of storage  
Figure 1. Typic refuse chute design. and collection. Following this, technological advancements in automated waste sorting systems have made waste management more efficient, offering features that enhance user health and safety. The most recent developments range from the use of sensors and smart waste containers to the application of artificial intelligence, continuously advancing in scope [19]. Considering evolving health concerns and convenience, we emphasize that these technological advancements in waste processes should also be adapted to refuse chutes, which are the first step of waste management in buildings, and we call for action in this regard. According to the literature review, there are also waste separation systems that utilize multiple separators to sort waste according to type [20]. These systems can be optionally implemented, allowing for separate waste collection at the source. In this system, buttons for different waste types are located on the intake door. The user selects the appropriate button for the waste they intend to dispose of, and the system directs the waste to its designated container using actuators. This approach facilitates cleaner recycling and contributes to the economy through waste recovery. An example of a multi-separator system design is shown in Figure 2[20]. Multi-sorter refuse chute systems are defined based on waste type with configurations of one, two, three, and four separators.