## 1 Introduction  
Considering changing pandemic conditions, health and environmental safety are gaining increased importance, especially considering the current case and mortality rates [1]. Studies indicate a rise in household and other waste [2] volumes globally during pandemic periods, as observed in cases from the United States [3] and the United Kingdom [4], contributing to global concerns [5]. In modern residential settings, the management of household waste collected through refuse chutes [6] poses a critical issue, with infection transmission [7] emerging as a significant concern due to these heightened risks. Refuse chutes are essential structural elements that facilitate waste collection in high-rise buildings. Health preservation measures [8] must be comprehensively addressed [9] when using these systems within residential spaces, particularly given the potential for the airborne transmission [10] of infections if improperly used during pandemics. This study presents innovative solutions to reduce the spread of infection through refuse chute design by considering these health concerns. The new refuse chute design aims to enable sanitation of the chute body according to pandemic needs, disinfect waste under pandemic conditions to prevent user exposure, and support healthier on-site waste separation [11] and collection [12] to contribute to the global circular economy (CE) model [13]. This newly designed system is intended to support the global health framework due to its adaptability to various pandemic conditions including other pathogens and potential new virus strains beyond coronavirus. A comprehensive literature review was conducted on the design and operation of refuse chutes. The most prominent findings are presented below. In studies related to refuse chutes, the relationship between human health and waste collection methods has been statistically validated. However, discussions on waste management processes and the role of refuse chutes in these processes are generally superficial. The absence of research on the potential risk of infection transmission within these systems has led to the investigation in this paper, which aims to fill this gap in the literature. [PERSON] and [PERSON] [14] conducted a survey study related to refuse chutes. According to the survey, it was demonstrated that Hong Kong residents preferred an automated waste collection system that could handle their trash in a more hygienic manner. Additionally, they noted that residents in the surveyed neighborhoods were unwilling to pay the necessary amount to support the operation of the system. The desire for a hygienic refuse chute system among people highlights a positive aspect of this study. However, the absence of questions addressing demands related to pandemic conditions, in addition to hygiene, stands out as a limitation, especially given the ongoing pandemic. In his study, [PERSON] [15] focused on testing waste disposal systems to encourage changes in solid waste separation habits in residential towers in Sweden. Significant findings were gathered from various studies conducted from national and regional perspectives on existing solid waste separation schemes and behaviors. Data were collected by directly asking residents in residential towers with established waste disposal systems how these systems could assist them in separating their solid waste. It was suggested that refuse chute systems used for separating solid waste in residential towers should be strategically developed to increase the level of participation in solid waste separation among households. Encouraging waste separation habits is crucial for achieving cleaner source-separated waste, which is essential for recovery efforts. However, the lack of consideration for steps to be taken under pandemic conditions and beforehand within the strategic development of waste separation practices presents a drawback. [PERSON] and [PERSON] [16] sought answers to several issues regarding the implementation of new refuse chutes for household waste in Singapore.