Let’s face it—everyone needs a bathroom break. But in cities across the United States, finding a clean, safe, and accessible public restroom can feel like a scavenger hunt. From busy city centers to family parks and tourist hotspots, the restroom shortage is real. That’s why some U.S. cities are stepping up with innovative solutions that are smart, sanitary, and made with all Americans in mind.

Here at Nationwide Waste Service, we’ve taken a close look at how 50 major cities are handling the public restroom crisis. The bad news? Many still have a long way to go. The good news? A growing number of places are turning to modern, American-made ideas to solve this issue—one toilet at a time

Innovation at Work: Cities Leading the Way

Whether it’s solar-powered porta-potties or award-winning gas station bathrooms, some U.S. cities are showing the rest of the country how it’s done. Let’s take a look at a few standout examples:

1. Throne Labs – Technology Meets Necessity

Operating in cities like Washington, D.C., Virginia, Los Angeles, and Ann Arbor, this forward-thinking startup is rolling out solar-powered portable restrooms that come with flushing toilets, running water sinks, and proper ventilation. Users can access them via QR codes or a mobile app, offering a cleaner, smarter solution to public restroom needs.

2. The Portland Loo – Built to Last

Born in Portland, Oregon, this single-occupancy stainless steel restroom has gone national, with over 250 units installed in cities like Philadelphia and Vancouver. With blue lighting to deter misuse and a rugged design, it’s a model of American durability and practicality.

3. Changing Places Facility – Accessibility for All

In Midland, Michigan, this restroom program is taking inclusivity seriously. Designed for people with severe disabilities, it includes adult-sized changing tables and ceiling hoist systems—going above and beyond ADA requirements to restore dignity and provide proper care.

4. America’s Best Restroom Winner – Salt Lake City, Utah

Who says gas station bathrooms can’t be luxurious? In 2024, the Maverik near Salt Lake City International Airport took home the crown for America’s Best Restroom, featuring touchless fixtures, spacious stalls, and a hiking-inspired interior. If you’re on a road trip, this one’s worth the detour.

5. Philly Phlush – Public Restrooms for the People

Launched in 2023, Philadelphia’s “Philly Phlush” program is working to install clean, safe public restrooms across neighborhoods. Locations in Center City and North Philly are already open, with more on the way in West Philadelphia this summer and a fourth site under review. It’s a grassroots solution with big-city impact.

The Bigger Picture: Why This Matters

Public restrooms aren’t just a convenience—they’re a public health necessity. Whether you’re a tourist, a parent with kids, a senior citizen, or someone living without housing, having access to a clean bathroom is a basic human right.

Sadly, even cities like San Francisco and Kansas City offer fewer than 30 restrooms per 100,000 residents, according to our latest analysis. That’s not just inconvenient—it’s unsafe.

Lack of access especially impacts:

People with medical conditions (like Crohn’s disease)
Pregnant women
The elderly
Unhoused individuals
Families with small children

And it doesn’t stop there. Poor restroom access can deter tourism, hurt small businesses, and negatively impact local economies.

Let’s Build a Cleaner, Kinder America—One Restroom at a Time

As a proud provider of portable sanitation solutions from coast to coast, we believe everyone deserves access to clean, safe, and dignified restroom facilities—no matter where they live or travel. And while the road ahead is long, these innovative efforts give us hope that more cities will rise to the challenge.

If your city or event needs portable restroom solutions, we’re here to help.