Atlanta’s shortage of accessible public restrooms poses health and homelessness challenges, study finds

More than half of Atlanta’s publicly listed restrooms aren’t actually open to everyone, according to a new Georgia State University study that highlights growing concerns about public health and homelessness.

The Georgia Recorder reports researchers with Georgia State University’s School of Public Health surveyed 262 restrooms in parks, libraries, transit stations, restaurants, gas stations and retail stores. They found 55% were either restricted to customers, closed to the public or otherwise inaccessible.

Assistant Professor April Ballard, who co-led the study, said inconsistent restroom access creates challenges for anyone in the city but can become a serious health issue for people experiencing homelessness. She said delaying bathroom use or lacking access to hygiene facilities can increase the risk of urinary tract infections, kidney damage and the spread of illnesses such as Hepatitis A.

Brad Schweers, executive director of the Atlanta nonprofit Intown Cares, said the lack of accessible restrooms also strips people of dignity and makes it harder for those experiencing homelessness to meet basic needs.

Atlanta officials say they are working to improve access. The city recently installed 10 solar-powered Throne Labs smart restrooms in parks, nature preserves and along the BeltLine as part of an effort to expand public sanitation.

The study comes as Georgia enforces House Bill 295, signed earlier this year by Gov. Brian Kemp, allowing property owners to sue local governments over failures to enforce certain laws related to homelessness, including public urination. Schweers argued the law creates a difficult situation for people who have nowhere else to go, saying expanded restroom access is a more effective solution than increased enforcement.