Dongcheng showcases 9 renovated public toilet "model rooms," technology and design power the "Toilet Revolution"

The 9 model restrooms in Dongcheng District, which were part of the 2018 "Toilet Revolution" renovation project, have recently been completed and put into use, significantly improving the restroom environment. This year, Dongcheng District aims to complete the renovation and upgrade of at least 200 public toilets, with the goal of transforming all 1,325 old public toilets in the district by 2020.

Among the 9 model rooms, there are 3 on Youheyan Street, 1 on Qinglong Hutong, 1 on Cangjingguan Hutong, 1 on Donghuangchenggen North Street, 1 on the Back Street of the Art Gallery, 1 on Jiaozi Hutong, and 1 on Donghuamen Street.

Stepping into the public restroom at the west end of Bijie Hutong, on the east side of Yongheguang Street, you'll find it bright and clean. The restroom has been upgraded with waste disposal stations, flushing facilities, nylon antibacterial handrails, and barrier-free amenities. The third space has been added, with mixed panels and restroom doors in the urinal area. Each stall is equipped with a toilet paper machine, available for free use.

Dongcheng District Sanitation Center Deputy Director Dong Ning introduced that this renovation respects public opinions more, considers the needs of residents more, highlights the green and environmental protection concept more, pays more attention to detailed design, and is more mindful of harmonizing with the characteristics of the Hutong.

Prior to the renovation, staff conducted household visits, roundtable discussions, and public announcements to deeply engage with residents, gathering their opinions and suggestions on the public toilet renovation. Based on this, an initial design draft for the toilet renovation was formulated according to the "one toilet, one design" requirement. Subsequently, we invited community residents, representatives, responsible planners, and street designers for another roundtable discussion to modify and refine the design into a final plan.

In response to residents' needs for urine pot disposal in the alleys, additional waste disposal ports and flushing facilities have been installed in alley toilets; non-barrier facilities such as nylon antibacterial handrails have been added to the squat and sitting toilets for ease of use by the elderly and disabled; handwashing facilities have been added to all public toilets; partitions and toilet doors have been added to the stalls and urinals in the sufficient-sized type III public toilets to enhance privacy protection;感应式卫生纸机 will also be installed by the end of the year in a "Internet + business compensation for toilets" model.

The renovation emphasizes green and environmental protection concepts, utilizing graphene heating technology to solve challenges such as winter heating in toilets and preventing water pipes from freezing; it also enhances natural ventilation and lighting by adding skylights and installing low-level exhaust fans, alleviating the issue of heat in public toilets during summer; second-class and above toilets adopt air exchange systems to increase air exchange rates, improving the efficiency of odor expulsion inside the toilet; measures such as installing water seals and water-saving toilets are taken to significantly reduce toilet odors; energy-saving facilities like motion-sensor lighting are used.

To harmonize with the Hutong architectural style, the renovation invites street responsibility planners and alleyway designers to oversee the project, ensuring the toilet's exterior complements the overall enhancement of the streets and alleys. The interior is simple, generous, clean, and bright, making the public toilet experience more comfortable for citizens.

There are over 1,300 public toilets in Dongcheng District, which face issues such as uneven distribution, poor environment in alleyways, and some toilets not harmonizing with the alleyway style. The Dongcheng District Sanitation and Hygiene Center plans to spend about three years from 2018 to comprehensively upgrade and renovate the old public toilets, striving to achieve the toilet improvement goal of "not cold in winter, not hot in summer, and no odor all year round."