Rethinking Public Toilets: How ZeroFlush Waterless Urinals Close Australia’s Hand Hygiene Gap
Public toilet hygiene is not just a concern; it’s a pressing issue in Australia, and the situation is alarming. Despite extensive health education and campaigns, a recent survey revealed that only 81% of Australians consistently wash their hands after using the toilet.
Shockingly, 19% admitted to skipping handwashing entirely, and 42% confessed they don’t always wash before handling food. This is a problem that needs to be addressed urgently.
These results resonate with findings from the 16th Annual Healthy Handwashing Survey by the Bradley Company, a U.S.-based organisation. Despite its American roots, the survey’s insights reflect similar behavioural trends in Australia, particularly in bustling urban centres, shopping hubs, service stations, and transport terminals.
The common thread? Poor public toilet conditions discourage proper hygiene, a challenge we share with the global community, making us part of a larger effort to improve public health.
Australia’s Ongoing Hand Hygiene Challenge
According to the U.S. survey, 77% of respondents reported witnessing others leave public toilets without washing their hands—a 9% increase over the previous year. Australians, too, report similar frustrations: broken sinks, empty soap dispensers, and unpleasant environments lead many to skip handwashing altogether.
When seasonal illnesses like flu or COVID-19 emerge, hygiene improves—79% of people globally wash more frequently in response—but these gains fade fast without proper infrastructure to support long-term habits.
Parents are particularly concerned. In the U.S., 1 in 3 believe their children don’t wash their hands enough. Australian parents share these worries, especially as children frequent high-traffic public toilets in schools, playgrounds, and sports venues.
What Users Expect—and Often Don’t Get
Australian users are increasingly vocal about what they want in public toilets: cleanliness, comfort, privacy, and touch-free features. The U.S. survey reveals that:
- 🧱 72% feel current toilet stalls lack privacy, with 60% of women preferring no-gap stall designs
- ⏱ 47% would support time indicators in cubicles, to help manage usage
- 🔢 42% find stall availability boards valuable, especially in high-traffic areas
- 🧻 Cleanliness directly impacts loyalty, with 84% negatively judging businesses with dirty toilets. This underlines the importance of maintaining clean facilities, as they can significantly affect a business’s reputation and customer perception.
- 💵 71% say clean facilities increase their likelihood to return and spend more
How ZeroFlush Is Improving Public Toilet Experiences in Australia
ZeroFlush waterless urinals tackle the hygiene and design challenges that prevent Australians from using public toilets properly:
- 🌬 Odour Control
A patented odour-sealing trap keeps toilets fresh, reducing unpleasant smells that often drive users away before washing their hands. - ✋ Touch-Free Experience
Zero contact means fewer germs. No flush handles or buttons reduce the spread of bacteria, making hand hygiene more likely. - 🔧 Low-Maintenance Reliability
ZeroFlush units remain operational longer and are easier to service with no water lines to clog and fewer moving parts. - 💧 Eco-Friendly Design
Each ZeroFlush unit saves up to 150,000 litres of water annually, resulting in significant cost savings on water bills. This eco-friendly design aligns with Australia’s water conservation goals and provides a compelling financial incentive for businesses and councils to invest in ZeroFlush technology. - 🧼 Support for Public Health Messaging
The clean, modern design of ZeroFlush urinals reinforces community health standards and serves as a visual reminder for more consistent handwashing habits. ZeroFlush urinals can significantly support public health initiatives in local communities by promoting a hygiene culture.
Design Drives Hygiene
Awareness campaigns are essential, but not enough. For consistent hygiene, Australians need clean, inviting, and reliable public toilet infrastructure. ZeroFlush urinals eliminate common barriers like odour, germs, and broken fixtures, contribute to water conservation, and improve public perception.
By investing in ZeroFlush technology, Australian businesses, councils, and institutions are helping bridge the hygiene gap and build healthier communities—one public toilet at a time.
💡 Take Action
Whether you manage a venue, oversee council facilities, or design high-traffic infrastructure, ZeroFlush waterless urinals are your next smart move.
✔️ Cut water waste
✔️ Improve public hygiene
✔️ Create cleaner, more trusted spaces
👉 Contact us today to learn how ZeroFlush can help your public toilets meet modern expectations.
📞 Email us today or ask our team for tailored recommendations on 07 5502 3248.
Gary Mays, born and educated in Auckland, New Zealand, has called the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia, home since 1986. Currently, the Executive Director at Whywait Plumbing Pty Ltd and Aquatemp Environmental Solutions Pty Ltd. He’s a licensed plumber with an impressive international business background in New Zealand, Australia, and Singapore. Gary is known for his vigorous advocacy in plumbing, water conservation, sustainability, and small business growth. He is an influential and forward-thinking leader, a frequent voice in modern media for his industry insights and deep dedication to ecological, environmental, and professional causes.
