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MoreQuiet 5d · day 7

Mamdani unveils $235,000-a-piece public toilets for NYC, draws viral backlash

The mayor's office rolled out details of a 17-unit, $4 million pilot with Throne Labs as critics questioned the price tag.

newest coverage 4d agosummary written 4d ago2 pieces158 likes & upvotes106 comments NewswiresX

What to know

  • NYC will install 17 high-tech public toilets built and maintained by Throne Labs, at roughly $235,000 per unit within a $4 million pilot.
  • The units offer running water, climate control, baby changing tables, ADA accessibility, and can be unlocked via app, QR code or tap card.
  • Residents quoted are split: some welcome relief from the city's bathroom shortage, others question cost, safety and monitoring.
  • The plan originated as a January announcement and became a flashpoint online after the per-unit cost went viral in September.

“I mean, I've been in places where I held my bladder for how long, and I felt like I was gonna explode and just had to go think it's this long overdue.”

Jeffery Sidnez, Bed-Stuy resident · NY Post ↗ · Sep 15

Zohran MamdaniZohran Mamdani Mayor of New York CityThrone Labs Modular toilet companyJessica Heinzelman Throne Labs Chief Operating Officer

Mamdani unveils $235,000-a-piece public toilets for NYC, draws viral backlash
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How it unfolded 1 development · click the chart to see its coverage articlesposts

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Sep 17Sep 18Sep 19Sep 20Sep 21Sep 22yesterdaynow · 2:55 AM ET
  1. 1

    Viral post highlights $235,000-per-toilet cost, sparks backlash

    A social media post breaking down the $4 million cost across 17 units spread widely, drawing over 100 comments focused on the per-unit price.

    “New York City is spending $4 million on 17 high tech public toilets. That works out to about $235,000 per location!”
    — @Sandy1Texas

    • New York City is spending $4 million on 17 high tech public toilets. That works out to about $235,000 per location! Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced the deal with Throne Labs. The toilets will have running water, climate control and changing tables. You can unlock them with an

      @Sandy1TexasX4d ago158▲view on X ↗
  2. background

    Throne Labs COO defends safety features and time limits — COO Jessica Heinzelman said the units flash warning lights after about four minutes of use and eventually open, a design she said has saved lives during medical emergencies.

  3. background

    Mamdani unveils 17 Throne Labs toilets at Queens press conference — Mamdani announced a partnership with modular toilet company Throne Labs to build, install and maintain 17 ADA-accessible restrooms with running water, climate control, baby changing tables and app/QR/tap-card access, open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

  4. background

    Mamdani administration first announces $4 million toilet plan — The plan was pitched as a first step to expand New York City's roughly 1,100 public restrooms for its 8.6 million residents.