Toilets on Wheels: Bhutan's Innovative Solution to Public Event Sanitation
Accessing a clean and functional washroom at public events has long been a common frustration.
However, the Bhutan Toilet Organisation, a non-governmental organisation, has introduced an innovative concept that could change this. They have created mobile toilet buses—converted city buses equipped with toilets—which will provide free access to clean facilities at social gatherings.
The mobile toilet bus is designed with separate sections for men and women. The men’s area includes urinals, as well as latrines with doors and hand wash basins. The women’s section is equipped with latrines, a diaper-changing station, a baby carrier, and waiting seats.
A 1,200-litre water tank is installed on the roof of the bus, allowing it to cater to approximately 2,400 people. A separate tank is used to store waste.
This initiative is aimed at helping Bhutan sustain its status as an open-defecation-free country, an achievement it attained in 2022. The Bhutan Toilet Organisation sees this project as a step forward in improving access to sanitary facilities at public events.
Introduction of Toilet on Wheels
“Since 2017, when hosting events, we’ve faced the challenge of lacking proper toilet facilities. We’ve tried portable toilets, but they’re standalone units, heavy to transport, and difficult to load and unload. We’ve always wanted a toilet on wheels, and this year, we’ve finally made that a reality,” explained Chablop Passu, the Executive Director of the Bhutan Toilet Organisation.
Sustainability of the Toilet Bus
The creation of the toilet bus was made possible by funding from the European Union, while the Department of Properties and Procurement provided the old city bus free of charge.
Initially, the toilet bus will serve public events in Thimphu and Paro. Plans are already in motion to construct additional toilet buses, with the organisation working on converting another bus.
“This was our first project, and we’re really happy with the result. Now that we know we can do it, we have another bus ready to be transformed in the same way. Once we’ve finished that, and with no more old city buses left, we’ll move on to converting container toilets, and I believe we’ll have several of them,” said Chablop Passu.
To ensure the maintenance and sustainability of the buses, the organisation is considering the option of renting them out for a fee, according to Passu.
Support the Bhutan Toilet Organisation
Grab a copy of Bhutan Travelog, a comprehensive Bhutan Travel Guidebook and click 'I support BTO'. Parts of the proceeds from the book sale will go towards supporting the Bhutan Toilet Organisation's initiatives.
