Berlin is testing the use of free toilets

Enlarge image

Information sign for public toilets (archive image)

Photo: DPA

From mid-August, numerous public toilets in Berlin can be used free of charge.

The Senate Department for the Environment, Mobility, Consumer and Climate Protection announced that the usage fee for a total of 50 toilets distributed throughout the city will no longer apply from August 15.

Together with other facilities, around 90 toilets would then be available free of charge.

In the future, the remaining 230 Berlin toilets owned by an operating company will only be usable by cashless payment: You can then pay there with a credit or debit card and online services.

The coin-operated operation of the sanitary facilities will thus be discontinued in August for the time being.

According to the Senate, it is a six-month test - in 2023 a decision should be made as to which access concept should be used for toilet operation in the future.

»Free provision of public facilities generally desirable«

"The use of toilets is a basic need, so free provision of public facilities is generally desirable," said State Secretary for Consumer Protection, Markus Kamrad.

»In addition to long-term financing via the budget, this also requires usage behavior that makes this possible.

In the coming months we will test which way is feasible.«

According to the Senate, the toilets had been the target of a series of burglaries since the end of December, which caused a great deal of financial and material damage.

In order to avoid breakdowns in the toilet facilities and to contain serious damage caused by vandalism, use should now be cashless for the time being.

wit/AFP