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At a Glance
- We are partnering with Throne Labs to install four new public restrooms in Pioneer Square as a one-year pilot program. If the pilot is successful, we may add more Throne restrooms in other locations.
- These units are accessible and designed to be easy to use. They include features that support people with disabilities and caregivers.
- Access to the restrooms is free and available by scanning a QR code, sending a text message, or using the Throne app. Throne is also training Downtown Ambassadors and CARE team members to help people without cell phones use them.
- Because this system makes it easy to report a problem, issues can be addressed quickly.
- The restrooms are also designed to stay clean and reliable. They are monitored, serviced and maintained throughout the day.
Mayor Katie B. Wilson is taking a step to deliver on her promise to create more clean, accessible, and safe public restrooms. We are partnering with Throne Labs to install four new public bathrooms in Pioneer Square. The new solar-powered facilities are free to access, cost-efficient for the City to install, and will be cleaned several times a day by Throne.
Seattle residents shouldn’t have to struggle to find a public bathroom. We are designing public spaces to serve everyone and account for their basic needs. Giving people a place to go when they “need to go” will help reduce human waste on public sidewalks, solving a problem rather than spraying it away.
“Today is a first step to delivering on Seattle’s number 1 and number 2 priority: creating clean, accessible, and safe public bathrooms,” said Seattle Mayor Katie B. Wilson. “This is a simple solution to address one of our most basic human needs, and a step towards creating a more livable and welcoming city for everyone.”
New public bathrooms will help make Downtown cleaner and more inviting.
Throne Labs installed two restrooms at each of these Pioneer Square locations and will be open from 7 am to 10 pm:
- 2nd Ave S and S Washington St
- 1st Ave S and S Charles St outside of Lumen Field.
We will test the new restrooms as a one-year pilot to see how well they hold up in real-life situations. Considerations include the effectiveness of the technology, cleanliness, maintenance, and public feedback. If all goes well, the restrooms could become a lasting part of the city’s services and potentially be added in more locations.
The restrooms are just one of Seattle’s many investments to make Downtown more comfortable and welcoming before the FIFA Men’s World Cup and for the future. During the six match days, Pioneer Square will become a walkable pedestrian zone and over 100 traditional portable toilets will be available in addition to the four provided by Throne Labs.
This effort aligns with other efforts to make public spaces more inviting and welcoming, such as Seattle Public Utilities’ 7 new water bottle refill stations expanding access to clean and safe drinking water and our work add lighting, seating, artwork, and public events programming around transit hubs.
Smart solutions to one of life’s most basic needs
The innovative facilities are built by Throne Labs and use technology to solve issues that have made restrooms challenging to install and maintain in the past.
They run on solar power with a backup battery and have built-in water and waste tanks for running water without the need for plumbing hook ups. This reduces installation costs and time, while still providing a clean, wheelchair friendly, and comfortable place to take care of their personal needs.
Throne Labs will clean the restrooms multiple times a day, using technology and public feedback to stay on top of issues. Sensors will notify the company when a freshwater tank is running low or the waste reservoir needs to be emptied. If a user reports unsanitary conditions, then Throne will dispatch a maintenance truck as soon as possible.
Throne Labs’ smart entry system helps ensure everyone can enjoy a clean and comfortable experience. People can access the restroom by scanning a QR code, sending a quick text, or using the Throne app. If someone damages the restroom, Throne can limit their access in the future. This helps keep the restrooms clean and available, so that everyone has a positive experience.
There is no cost to use the toilets. The City is partnering with Throne to train our downtown ambassadors and CARE team members. This training will help them provide access for people who don’t have cell phones. They will be ready to help people access the restrooms within the coming weeks.
Throne Labs currently operates units in major cities like San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles County, Washington D.C., and Ann Arbor. Every Throne user rates cleanliness after their visit, and the national average cleanliness rating is 4.1 out of 5.
Safety and Cleanliness Features
- Accessibility: Every unit is ADA accessible and equipped with sturdy grab bars. NaviLens codes guide people who are blind or low vision.
- Family features: Caregivers will find a convenient baby-changing station inside every restroom.
- Touchless technology: Toilets and handwashing stations use touchless sensors to keep things hygienic.
- Time limits: The restrooms will be open from 7 am to 10 pm. A 10-minute limit helps ensure no one overstays and keeps the line moving.
- Continual cleaning: Throne Labs will clean the restrooms multiple times a day. Visitors can leave a rating, share feedback, and report issues through an app. If someone reports unsanitary conditions, Throne will dispatch a maintenance truck as soon as possible.
What People Are Saying:
“Clean, accessible restrooms are a basic part of what makes a city feel welcoming and safe for everyone,” said Angela Brady, Acting Director of the Seattle Department of Transportation. “Partnering with Throne gives us an innovative, fast-to-deploy solution that fits into our mission to build a livable and accessible city.”
“Seattle has always been a city willing to do things differently, and we couldn’t be more excited to bring Throne here,” said Fletcher Wilson, Cofounder and CEO of Throne Labs. “By partnering with SDOT, Pierce Transit, and King County Metro, we’re building a model for what public restroom access can look like in a major transit-oriented city. Seattle deserves restrooms that are clean, connected, and welcoming for everyone.”
“Pierce Transit is proud to partner with Throne Labs to pilot a clean and accessible restroom facility for riders at the Lakewood Transit Center,” said Adam Davis, Pierce Transit’s Chief Maintenance Officer. “Public restrooms are an important part of the transit experience. We aim to provide amenities that help riders feel more comfortable and supported, which can contribute to increased ridership and stronger community connections. Throne’s innovative, fast-to-deploy model is a promising complement to the reliable, community-focused service we strive to deliver.”