Hamburg faces a persistent problem of too few public toilets. However, the Wandsbek district is taking a proactive step by launching a pilot project to significantly increase their availability, especially in frequently visited playgrounds. This initiative, spearheaded by a project team from the district assembly, seeks to establish more accessible and robust “quiet places” for residents and visitors.
Wandsbek Leads the Way in Addressing Toilet Shortage
Public toilets are inherently expensive to construct and maintain due to the necessity for durability and vandal-resistance. Currently, Stadtreinigung Hamburg operates only 140 public toilets across the city, a number deemed insufficient by the Wandsbek project team. In their quest for more cost-effective solutions, the team has explored successful models implemented in other German cities.
Inspiration from Other Cities
Birgit Wolff of the FDP highlighted Cologne’s approach, which utilizes high-quality, barrier-free portable toilets that resemble upscale Dixie toilets but are permanently installed. Nuremberg, another city offering innovative solutions, has integrated public toilets into illuminated advertising columns. These examples provide valuable insights for Wandsbek’s pilot project.
Pilot Project Focuses on Playgrounds
The Wandsbek district assembly, with the CDU abstaining, voted on Thursday to proceed with testing various toilet types in frequently visited playgrounds. This strategic placement aims to address the needs of families and children directly where they are most active. The project anticipates evaluating the effectiveness and practicality of different models in real-world settings.
Stadtreinigung Hamburg Supports the Initiative
Stadtreinigung Hamburg has pledged advisory support to the model project, assisting in site selection and identifying suitable WC models. The project will also explore potential co-financing options, including private funding or advertising revenue, to ensure the long-term sustainability of the new facilities. These financial aspects will be thoroughly investigated during the pilot phase.
Wider Context: Toilet Issues Across Hamburg
The issue of public toilet scarcity is not unique to Wandsbek. In Hamburg-Nord, for instance, there is a strong demand for more public toilets at locations such as Ohlsdorf station and the city park. Furthermore, the city has faced challenges with existing facilities; a million-euro toilet in central Hamburg, opened in 2023, had to be closed due to flooding and will not be renovated, highlighting the complexities of public sanitation infrastructure.
Impact of Wet Wipes on Sewer Systems
Adding to the challenges, the improper disposal of wet wipes in toilets has led to significant problems for Hamburg Wasser. These wipes cause “tangles” in the sewage system, resulting in an increasing number of repair interventions and substantial financial losses for the utility. This underscores the importance of public education alongside infrastructure development.
The Wandsbek pilot project represents a crucial step towards improving public sanitation in Hamburg. By focusing on playgrounds and exploring innovative, cost-effective solutions, Wandsbek hopes to set a precedent for the entire city, ensuring that residents and visitors have access to clean and accessible public facilities.
Source: https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/hamburg/wandsbek-soll-mehr-oeffentliche-toiletten-bekommen,wandsbektoiletten-100.html
