Public Restrooms

Have you ever been impacted by a lack of available public restrooms?

Equitable restroom access is a matter of human dignity, safety, equity, and mobility, yet remains a widespread issue impacting countless individuals. The US has significantly fewer restrooms per capita than peer countries, and many of the restrooms that do exist are not usable for large segments of the population.

For over two decades, the American Restroom Association has been on the forefront of important work like expanding equitable access to restrooms across the country, improving sanitation and cleanliness standards, increasing awareness and education about public restroom infrastructure challenges, and more. The ARA is made up of staff, board members, and volunteers who have lived experience with the challenge of restroom access.

The ARA advocates for change across federal, state, and local levels. Lawmakers, business owners, state and local politicians, and individuals all play a role in fair and equitable restroom access. Adequate public restroom networks bolster local economies and lead to better public comfort and health. They increase economic opportunity by encouraging more local shopping and tourism and create pleasant third spaces for community building. Browse this section to learn more about who can benefit from increased restroom access, what is being done, and how you can help.

In addition, the ARA is excited to announce a brand-new advocacy project- ARA Local Chapters. Stay tuned for more information in the coming months.

Peruse our page to stay up to date on restroom news, opportunities to get involved and join us in expanding restroom access, laws and regulations, and more.