The plight of the public potty

Japan blew my mind. You're never more than 5 minutes walk away from a free public restroom in any city or town I visited. They were always clean and supplied.

They show up on Maps apps and have reviews. I remember walking a few minutes more once, in Osaka, to try one that had excellent reviews (it was a fun and original design).

In some more rural areas these became squat potties with no toilet paper, so carry a pack of tissues with you.

Three competing gas station/ convenience stores were built in my area the past few years. All have at least 20 fuel pumps and sell hot carry out food. All have public restrooms that I assume met building codes, but one has a cramped men's room with one stall and one urinal. The other two have much larger restrooms with diaper changing stations. The other two also offer free tire inflation pumps available without purchase.

I'll go out of my way to support companies that do the right thing.

Romans had public toilets and fountains 2000 years ago. No matter who you are, let your body function the way it was designed.

Free public water and toilets are surely the first signs of civilisation.

Didn't realize the Rogers Park, Chicago Target had a restroom. Good to know, as an old guy.

[dead]

I think it’s been like 20 years since I had to use a truly public toilet.

Is this really such a common occurrence for people? Because I feel like toilets are being discussed way too much.

Is it not possible to get your point across using more decent language?

At least in print, my sense is that this topic is dominated by angry voices proclaiming that public bathroom are a disgracefully neglected human right. Especially for themselves. But with amazingly little to say about the practical realities on the supply side. Public restrooms don't come from Santa Claus, and they cost a lot both to build and maintain. Then there are the costs and miseries of security. Gratitude toward business providing restrooms seems nonexistent.

(Comparing to, for instance, people campaigning against hunger. Those folks seem keenly aware that food for the needy has to come from somewhere - whether donated or paid for - then be sorted and stored, possibly repackaged and transported, maybe prepared and cooked, then regularly distributed to those needing it. And if you botch even one step, then you have failed at feeding the poor.)