Apparatus for conveying refuse containers

The present invention relates to an apparatus for conveying refuse containers in a structure such as an office building. The apparatus includes (a) a generally vertical shaft passing through a plurality of floors in the structure; (b) a longitudinally elongated cab suitable for being positioned in the shaft, the elongated cab containing a plurality of refuse containers in such a manner that the refuse containers are vertically aligned, and having a plurality of lateral windows as portals at least at the top and bottom of the elongated cab for the refuse containers; (c) a first lift installed in the shaft, the first lift moving the elongated cab up and down in a generally vertical line throughout the shaft. Thereby, the refuse containers loaded into the elongated cab are vertically conveyed by the first lift. In addition, if a second lifting mechanism is installed in the elongated cab for moving the refuse containers up and down in a generally vertical line throughout the elongated cab, the refuse containers are prevented from falling too fast and being damaged during the loading and unloading of the refuse containers.