19 November 2025

World Toilet Day: Why the World Talks About It – and Why We Don’t

It may sound unusual, but it is a fact — every year on 19 November, the world marks World Toilet Day. A day dedicated to a topic without which none of us can live normally: access to clean and hygienic sanitation.

More than 419 million people are still forced to relieve themselves outdoors. This creates serious health risks, contaminates water sources, and affects the most vulnerable groups — especially children.

Why is World Toilet Day so important?

Where there is no safe and hygienic sanitation:

wastewater enters the environment and water sources
the risk of intestinal diseases increases significantly
people lose access to dignity, privacy, and basic safety
women, children and people living in poverty are the most affected

According to international data, more than 300,000 children could be saved every year simply through better access to clean water, hygiene, and sanitation.

This year’s theme: “Sanitation in a changing world”

The world is changing — climate challenges are increasing, infrastructure is ageing, and the population continues to grow. One thing, however, remains constant: we will always need a toilet. That is why this year’s focus is on solutions that are:

accessible for everyone
reliable even in extreme climate conditions
resource-efficient
supported by long-term investments in public health

The toilet is not a luxury. It is a basic human right and an essential condition for health and a dignified life.

What does the European Standard EN 16194:2023 require?

EN 16194:2023 defines the criteria for mobile toilets and the services related to their maintenance. It is a key guideline for construction sites, events, festivals, sports activities, tourist zones and all areas without sewer infrastructure. Here are the main requirements, summarised:

1. Minimum number of toilets depending on event capacity

For events up to 6 hours without food/drinks:

1 mobile toilet per 65 people

For events up to 12 hours without food/drinks:

1 mobile toilet per 35 people

For events with food and drinks:

1 toilet per 52 people (6 hours) or 1 per 30 people (12 hours)

If more than 50% of attendees are women then +15% more toilets

2. Mandatory layout and accessibility

Toilets must be easy to access, illuminated, clearly marked, and located near handwashing stations.
For every 500 visitors, there must be:

1 accessible toilet for people with reduced mobility (for large events, one additional accessible toilet per 3,000 visitors)

All cabins must provide handwashing or hand sanitising options.

3. Cleaning and servicing

Maximum 100–125 uses between services
Servicing every 6 or 12 hours, depending on event duration
Cleanliness and hygiene are mandatory — dirty toilets are a direct violation of the standard

4. Waste management responsibilities

The event organiser is responsible for the proper management of generated waste
The mobile toilet operator (such as OoYes) is responsible for transporting waste to an approved treatment facility

5. Distance and logistics

Toilets must be placed where visitors can reach them easily
Service trucks must have a maximum of 10 metres access distance

What about Bulgaria?

While the world speaks openly about sanitation, in Bulgaria the topic is still nearly a taboo. Even the word “toilet” often sounds uncomfortable, as if it shouldn’t be said aloud. But behind this silence lies a real issue: in many public places public toilets simply do not exist.
Parks, roads, tourist paths, cemeteries — many areas used daily by thousands of people offer no sanitary access at all. Everyone feels the problem the moment they need a toilet and cannot find one.
If you want to understand why this happens and what can realistically change, see our dedicated article:
“A Basic Need. Our Biggest Public Oversight.”
OoYes – modern sanitary solutions, ready for the future

OoYes – modern sanitary solutions, ready for the future

As a leading operator of mobile and vacuum sanitary solutions in Bulgaria, OoYes supports the belief that access to hygienic sanitation is a right, not a privilege.
We provide daily solutions for:

national and international events
construction and infrastructure sites
sports races and marathons
tourist zones and beaches
emergency and crisis situations
military bases and field operations

Our VIP vacuum trailers, modular vacuum systems, mobile toilets, sinks, and urinals are designed to deliver comfort, hygiene, and reliable servicing — regardless of location or intensity of use.

Toilets are part of life — today, tomorrow, always

World Toilet Day reminds us that sanitation facilities are fundamental to health, safety, and respect for people. The future we want begins with small but essential things — like ensuring quality sanitation for everyone.

Let’s build cleaner, safer, and more accessible public spaces together.

OoYes – taking care of your dignity.