Accessible stalls have a seated toilet. US federal ADA standards set the seat 17 to 19 inches above the floor.
Where this applies: Accessible toilet compartments covered by the 2010 ADA Standards
Toilet Index: what to expect from toilets abroad
United States
What to remember
- Toilet paperFlush toilet paper and human waste only. The EPA says nothing else should go down the toilet.Where this applies: EPA guidance for household and septic toilets
- Where it goesPut wipes, paper towels, feminine products and diapers in the trash. The EPA lists them as never to flush.Where this applies: EPA guidance for household and septic toilets
- Good to knowAway from park toilets, pack out used toilet paper. Joshua Tree says to pack it out; Olympic says to carry a zipper bag (page last updated 9 March 2017).Varies by venueWhere this applies: Backcountry areas of Joshua Tree and Olympic National Parks; rules differ by park
Sources: US Environmental Protection Agency, US Environmental Protection Agency, National Park Service, Joshua Tree National Park, National Park Service, Olympic National Park
Sit or squat
Olympic National Park says many popular wilderness areas have pit, composting or vault toilets (page last updated 2017).
Varies by venueWhere this applies: Olympic National Park wilderness areas
If you need a seat: If you need a seated toilet or more room, look for the accessible stall. US ADA standards set the seat height at 17 to 19 inches. Airports such as Seattle-Tacoma also have private family restrooms.
Accessible toilets: not covered yet.
Toilet paper
Paper supplied
Information unavailable
Where it goes
Flush toilet paper and human waste only. The EPA says nothing else should go down the toilet.
Where this applies: EPA guidance for household and septic toilets
Put wipes, paper towels, feminine products and diapers in the trash. The EPA lists them as never to flush.
Where this applies: EPA guidance for household and septic toilets
Away from park toilets, pack out used toilet paper. Joshua Tree says to pack it out; Olympic says to carry a zipper bag (page last updated 9 March 2017).
Varies by venueWhere this applies: Backcountry areas of Joshua Tree and Olympic National Parks; rules differ by park
Where a park toilet exists, use it. Olympic says only human waste and toilet paper go in; hygiene products and diapers go out with you.
Where this applies: Olympic National Park wilderness areas (page last updated 2017)
Water and controls
In ADA accessible stalls, the flush control must be hand operated or automatic.
Where this applies: Accessible toilet compartments covered by the 2010 ADA Standards
San Francisco's staffed Pit Stop toilets have running water, soap and hand towels.
Where this applies: San Francisco Pit Stop public toilets (page dated October 2024)
Fees and access
Minnesota law bans pay toilets in public places, public conveyances and public buildings. Other states may differ.
Varies by venueWhere this applies: Minnesota
Moynihan Train Hall in New York has public restrooms, plus more in the waiting area for ticketed Amtrak customers.
Where this applies: Moynihan Train Hall, New York
New York City publishes a map layer of public restrooms run by Parks, transit, libraries and public spaces, updated twice a year.
Where this applies: New York City (announced June 2024)
Where it varies
New York City park restrooms are typically open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with longer hours in peak season.
Varies by venueWhere this applies: NYC Parks restrooms (October 2026 city report)
New York City counts 326 gender neutral public bathrooms, about 30% of its inventory, many in library branches.
Varies by venueWhere this applies: New York City public bathrooms (October 2026 city report)
Seattle-Tacoma Airport has accessible family restrooms in every concourse, and private companion care restrooms in some.
Varies by venueWhere this applies: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (July 2024)
San Francisco Pit Stop hours differ by site: some are open 24 hours, others close in the early evening.
Varies by venueWhere this applies: San Francisco Pit Stop public toilets (page dated October 2024)
Sources
- US Access Board2010 ADA Standards, Chapter 6: Plumbing Elements and Facilities
- National Park Service, Olympic National ParkSanitation & Water Treatment
- US Environmental Protection AgencyHow to Care for Your Septic System
- US Environmental Protection AgencyEPA Encourages Americans to Only Flush Toilet Paper
- National Park Service, Joshua Tree National ParkHuman Waste & Trash
- San Francisco Public WorksPit Stop public toilets
- Minnesota Office of the Revisor of StatutesMinnesota Statutes 145.425: Pay toilets prohibited
- AmtrakMoynihan Train Hall Frequently Asked Questions
- NYC Mayor's OfficeMayor Adams Launches Ur in Luck, new Effort to Make NYC Public Restrooms More Accessible, Equitable
- NYC Mayor's Office of OperationsA Right to Go: New York City's Citywide Public Bathroom Strategy (October 2026)
- Port of Seattle (Seattle-Tacoma International Airport)Six Accessible Features in SEA Airport Restrooms
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