Why Public Toilets?

Livable Communities

Public parks and recreation spaces need public toilets.

Public toilets help us get out of cars and onto our feet, our bicycles and mass transit. We feel comfortable and welcome in places where it's easy to find public facilities.

Human Dignity

Kids (and their caregivers) need public toilets
Our ability to respond to a universal biological need is a basic human right. And those of us who have medical issues or are older, younger or pregnant make more frequent toilet visits.
 

Health and Fitness

Recreational and commuting cyclists need public toilets.

Public toilets enable us to be physically active and enjoy new experiences when we’re away from home. Our mental well-being is enhanced when we’re out with families and friends and know there's a place "to go."

Public Toilet Advocacy Toolkit

The purpose of the Public Toilet Advocacy Toolkit is to strengthen the capacity of citizen advocates and city officials to provide and maintain great public toilets that make communities livable, respect human dignity and promote health and well-being. PHLUSH regularly responds to requests from communities throughout North America seeking to increase toilet availability. These seventeen tools are designed for use by city managers, transit authorities, CPTED specialists, public health officials, toilet entrepreneurs, proponents of active living, media professionals, and engaged citizens.

Introduction and Table of Contents

Download Toolkit

Part One: Strategy Tools

Engage the Community in the Conversation

Recognize Good Restroom Design

Explore Options: Renovate, Build, Purchase, or Rent

Plan for Operational and Financial Sustainability

Part Two: Action Planning Tools

Gather Information: Walkabouts, Maps, Surveys

Reach Out to the Community

Bring Stakeholders Together to Plan

Tools to Choose Sites Using CPTED

Understand Codes and Regulations

Mobilize Support from Residents, Businesses, and Local Officials

Orchestrate Media Advocacy and Work with Journalists

Find More Information and Practical Resources

Handouts

A Brief History of Public Toilet Advocacy

Why Public Toilets?

PHLUSH Design Principles for Public Restrooms

Direct Access Family and All-Gender Toilet Rooms

A Toilet Tour Discussion Checklist

ABOUT PHLUSH

Public Hygiene Lets Us Stay Human. PHLUSH promotes toilet systems that people need and Nature loves. Our website serves as practical knowledge base for urban restrooms design, ecological sanitation and emergency toilet systems. PHLUSH collaborates with civil society organizations, grassroots groups, academic researchers, local government officials, emergency managers, and urban planners to promote sustainable and equitable toilet options for all North Americans. An all volunteer organization, PHLUSH is a member of the World Toilet Organization and a partner in the Sustainable Sanitation Alliance.