Field Test of Mobile Toilets in Fujian

Field tests of mobile toilets in Fujian indicate that privately-operated, countdown-timed, fee-charging public toilets have sparked significant controversy, while municipal waterless public toilets have gained greater acceptance.

Privately-Operated, Countdown-Timed, Fee-Charging Public Toilets: High Fees and a Sense of Oppression

Private mobile toilets have appeared in Fuzhou, Fujian, utilizing a QR code-based payment system. Prices were initially as high as 10 yuan per use, later adjusted to 2 yuan following controversy. The core points of contention are as follows:

• Discomfort caused by the countdown function: After scanning the QR code, users must manually click 'open' to start the countdown. Although they can manually lock the door to continue using the toilet after the time expires, the countdown itself creates a sense of urgency, as if 'racing against time to use the toilet.' Some netizens even joke that 'there's not even time to pull down their pants'.
• Doubts about pricing合理性 (reasonableness): Operators have raised prices, citing reasons such as 'high user volume and difficulty in cleaning.' However, users question whether this is simply a way to 'make money' or 'rip people off,' believing that public toilets should not primarily aim for profit.
• Regulatory and public opinion pressure: Similar privately-operated, fee-charging public toilets have been banned in cities like Guangzhou and Wuhan due to concerns that they may disrupt public perception and harm the city's image. Although Fuzhou authorities have not issued a clear response, there is a need for clearer regulatory standards for such toilets.

Municipal Waterless Public Toilets: Environmentally Friendly and Convenient, Meeting Public Service Needs

Municipal mobile toilets promoted in Xiamen and other areas feature a waterless design, utilizing technologies such as microbial decomposition to achieve water conservation and environmental protection, without charging fees or imposing countdown timers. Their advantages include:

• Easy installation and maintenance: The waterless design reduces the need for pipeline installation, making them suitable for scenic spots, temporary events, and other scenarios. Additionally, maintenance costs are relatively low.
• Superior user experience: Without fees or countdown timers, tourists can use the toilets more comfortably, aligning with the convenience-oriented nature of public service facilities.

Summary and Recommendations

Field tests of mobile toilets in Fujian demonstrate that while privately-operated, countdown-timed, fee-charging public toilets attempt to address queuing issues through technological means, their high fees and sense of oppression deviate from the essence of public services. Strengthened regulation is needed to standardize pricing and usage rules. In contrast, municipal waterless public toilets, centered on environmental protection and convenience, better meet public needs and should serve as the primary direction for future mobile toilet construction.