New York City announced on the 16th that 17 new modular public toilets will be installed in all five boroughs, with $4 million allocated for a one-year trial period. The toilets will be free to use and open daily from 7 am to 10 pm, operated by Throne Labs, with each use limited to 10 minutes.
These new toilets comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility standards, featuring fully touchless designs with flush toilets, running water sinks, temperature control units, and baby changing stations. Voice reminders will be given at the 5th and 8th minutes of use, with flashing lights indicating the 10-minute limit and prompting users to vacate before the door automatically opens 10 minutes and 30 seconds after use.
Unlike traditional fixed public toilets, these modular facilities are standalone units that do not require connections to water, sewage, or power infrastructure, allowing for flexible placement and easy relocation or removal based on community needs.
The public can access the toilets through mobile SMS, QR codes, the Throne Public Toilet network app, or sensor cards distributed by community partners. The app enables users to locate the nearest public toilets, check facility availability, and view real-time cleanliness ratings.
The 17 public toilets are distributed across the five boroughs, primarily located in public squares and areas with high foot traffic that currently lack reliable restroom facilities. The New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) awarded Throne Labs the contract through a competitive bidding process in June to handle the production, transportation, installation, operation, and cleaning maintenance of the facilities.
In Queens, the toilets are situated at the intersections of Astoria Blvd South and 31st Street, Northern Blvd and 31st Street, Northern Blvd and 54th Street, and 34th Avenue and 64th Street.
In Brooklyn, the locations include Columbus Park, Milestone Park, the intersection of Fulton St and Truxton St, and Avenue C Plaza.
Staten Island’s facility is located on the North Shore Esplanade.
In Manhattan, the toilets can be found at Cooper Square, Malcolm X Plaza, the intersection of Delancey St and Suffolk St, and Plaza Alianza Dominicana.
Bronx locations include Yankee Stadium, Admiral Farragut Playground, Mapes Park, and Monsignor Raul Del Valle Square.