The illustration below shows the basic concept of how a standard STREAM Automated Waste Collection System (AWCS) works:

1. Chutes that are used to feed waste into the system
2. Storage section that holds the waste between transport cycles
3. Primary air inlet that creates an active high speed air path in the pipe network
4. Discharge valves that periodically open to allow movement of the waste into the active air path
5. Transport pipes that form the waste path between the storage chambers and the Central Waste Handling Facility (CWHF)
6. Outdoor load stations that may also feed smaller quantities of waste material into the system