Bath has been ranked as having the second dirtiest public toilets in Britain, according to recent research conducted by Business Waste. The World Heritage City received a hygiene score of just 2.1 out of 100, despite 11 out of its 14 public toilets charging users an entry fee.
The ranking was derived from analysis of Google review data, which revealed that 27% of Bath’s public toilet reviews included the word “dirty.” York claimed the unenviable title of the dirtiest, with an even lower hygiene score of -1.5 out of 100.
Mark Hall, a waste management expert and co-owner of Business Waste, emphasized the importance of public toilets as an essential service currently facing decline. “Our findings highlight a worrying trend where many public toilets are not maintained in a hygienic condition,” he explained. “This poses not only a public health risk but also creates accessibility challenges for disabled users who rely on these facilities daily.”
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Hall also questioned the value of charging for toilets that remain unclean: “It’s concerning that some of the dirtiest toilets still charge for entry. This raises critical questions about how that revenue is being used, as it should be reinvested to ensure cleanliness and safety.”
With ongoing budget cuts at both national and local levels, Hall urged councils and facility managers to prioritize the maintenance of public toilets. “We recommend increased investment to keep these essential services clean, safe, and accessible for everyone,” he added.
Nearby Bristol ranks fifth dirtiest with a hygiene score of 13.6 out of 100. Business Waste noted that Bristol’s toilets received an equal number of reviews mentioning “dirty” and “clean”.
Interestingly, the study found that paid toilets are not necessarily cleaner than free ones. In fact, free or low-cost public toilets often have higher hygiene ratings. For example, York Castle charges 40p per visit yet reports consistently describe it as dirty, resulting in a low overall hygiene score of 1.7 out of 5.
In response to the findings, Councillor Paul Roper, Cabinet Member for Economic and Cultural Sustainable Development at BANES, stated: “This is a brand-commissioned survey aimed at promoting a business. We take complaints about our public toilets seriously. Our facilities, managed by Healthmatic, are regularly inspected to ensure they meet cleanliness and safety standards.”