Study: 55% of Atlanta restrooms are inaccessible to the public

According to new research from Georgia State University's New School of Public Health, over half of publicly accessible restrooms are actually unavailable to the public.

"The researchers used an expansive definition of publicly accessible restrooms that included both government-funded facilities and restrooms located in private businesses such as gas stations, restaurants and retail stores. Even with that broad definition, more than half of all facilities identified were inaccessible when audited by a team of faculty and student researchers, the press release says."

"The study has already helped inform local efforts to improve public sanitation infrastructure. In partnership with the Atlanta-based nonprofit Central Outreach and Advocacy Center, the researchers shared their preliminary findings with city leaders, who later announced the installation of 12 Throne Labs public restrooms ahead of the World Cup."

The release adds, "The researchers say the findings point to several policy opportunities, including clarifying responsibility for public restroom infrastructure within municipalities, dedicating funding for maintenance and expansion, and developing sanitation standards for major events that bring large numbers of visitors into the city."