On the occasion of World Toilet Day, November 19, the Hong Kong Toilet Association (HKTA) released its annual public toilet rankings, crowning a surprising winner: the public facility in the famously bustling, nightlife hub of Lan Kwai Fong. Defying all expectations for a location frequented by late-night revelers, this alleyway restroom—situated near a 7-Eleven and adjacent to a small garden—received top marks for maintaining exceptional cleanliness and odor control, a testament to dedicated custodial efforts.

Elevating the Standards of Public Restrooms

The designation of the Lan Kwai Fong public toilet as Hong Kong’s finest is a noteworthy deviation from the norm, particularly given the area’s reputation for high foot traffic and potential disorder. While one might assume a nexus of bars and nightclubs would inevitably lead to sanitary challenges, the HKTA’s assessment highlighted the opposite.

This success, according to the HKTA, is directly attributable to the diligent on-site management. Henry Hung, President of the HKTA, praised the facility’s caretaker, noting they were “cleaning all the time” and proactively monitoring the space for any immediate maintenance needs. This hands-on, continuous cleaning schedule ultimately counteracted the strain placed on the facilities by the surrounding entertainment district.

Although the Lan Kwai Fong loo triumphed, it’s widely speculated that many patrons of the neighborhood’s numerous establishments utilize the private restrooms within the bars and clubs themselves. Regardless, the public toilet’s high ranking sets a robust benchmark for urban sanitation.

Tracking Cleanliness Across the Territory

Following closely behind the Lan Kwai Fong champion were other high-achieving public facilities. The Kam Tin Shi public toilet located in Yuen Long secured the second position. Notably, the Catchick Street Garden public toilet in Kennedy Town ranked third, demonstrating a remarkable turnaround; just two years ago, this very location was labelled the worst public facility in Hong Kong. This dramatic improvement underscores the impact that committed investment and rigorous staff effort can have on public hygiene standards.

At the other end of the spectrum, the HKTA identified the facility most in need of urgent attention. This year’s lowest ranking went to the Kowloon City Road public toilet in To Kwa Wan. Factors leading to this dismal ranking included pervasive dirtiness, persistent foul odors, and dangerously wet floors, signaling significant custodial neglect or infrastructure issues.

The Push for Better Urban Infrastructure

Beyond simply identifying the best and worst facilities, the HKTA used the release of the rankings to issue a pointed appeal to municipal authorities. The association emphasized the urgent need to allocate resources toward the refurbishment of Hong Kong’s aging public toilet infrastructure. Ensuring high standards of sanitation in these high-use public spaces is critical not only for comfort but also for maintaining overall public health and the city’s reputation as a clean, efficient metropolis.

The annual ranking serves as a vital scorecard for urban hygiene, demonstrating that excellence in public facilities depends almost entirely upon consistent maintenance and the professionalism of the janitorial teams. Looking forward, action from the authorities to upgrade and consistently maintain these vital resources will be keenly anticipated.