What is a significant advantage of vacuum waste systems compared to gravity systems?

A significant advantage of vacuum waste systems is that they are lighter and require less space compared to gravity systems. This benefit stems from the way vacuum systems operate; they use vacuum pressure to transport waste, which allows for smaller pipe diameters and less structural support than what is needed for gravity systems, where larger pipes and more substantial structures are required to manage the flow of waste under gravitational pull.

Because vacuum systems can be designed with more compact and efficient layouts, they are especially beneficial in scenarios where space is limited, such as in aircraft or boats. Their lightweight nature can also contribute to overall weight savings, which is critical in aviation where every pound matters for fuel efficiency and cargo capacity.

In contrast, gravity systems depend on weight and the natural flow of waste, often requiring a larger footprint and heavier materials, which does not align with the demands for space and weight efficiency found in many modern applications.