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The map above shows where in the world you can and can’t flush your toilet paper in a toilet. The data comes from Where do I put the paper? which describes itself as A handy guide to the world’s toilets.
If you live in the United States, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand or most countries in Northern Europe it may come as surprise that not everyone flushes their toilet paper away.
Although, it should be noted that the data is perhaps not 100% reliable as almost every single toilet you’re likely to encounter in say France or Spain will allow you to flush your toilet paper.
So if you’re not flushing it away, what are you doing with it? The answer is that it depends on where you are.
For example, some countries have relatively few flush toilets, so you’re going to be using something closer to an outhouse.
However, in other countries there may be a bin where you throw it out rather than flush it away. Here are the customs of a few countries as described in Where do I put the paper?.
Mexico – In common with most of south and central America, you’re going to be spending a lot of the time you’re going to be throwing the paper in bins in Mexico, so keep an eye out for them. Some higher class hotels have European-style flush toilets, but it should be fairly obvious which are which.
France – Contrary to popular belief, many places in France have toilets that you can actually safely use and you’ll be able to flush the paper. This isn’t the 1980s you know. Having said that, the French still like to squat over a hole in the ground or crap behind a bush (or car or tree or anything to hand), in these cases, act politely and bin your paper somewhere hygeinic. Of course, you still can’t drink the water and they eat snails you know.
Spain – is a bit of a mix. In most cities and beach resorts you can flush the paper. Although you might be asked specifically to use a bin, in which case, do. If you’re out in the countryside and stuck in a refugio bury it or burn it. If you’re using a camp site, follow the instructions (although if in doubt, flush).
China – There a wide variety of toilets in China, from European-style porcelain numbers to holes in the ground. Generally speaking, use the bin provided for the paper, but if one isn’t provided for holes-in-the-ground, just drop it in.
Brazil – In common with most Latin American countries, the sewage system in Brazil can’t cope with paper being flushed, so use the bin provided. If you’re in the jungle or up the Amazon, take your paper with you and dispose of it somewhere hygienic, or burn it on the way. Brazilian public toilets are mostly very good, although if you’re in Rio, avoid the portaloos in Lapa at all costs.
Russia – I have been informed that you are most likely to be flushing in Russia. However, there are public toilets, and some older facilities that don’t have the power to get rid of the paper where you’ll need to use the bin, but these will be clearly marked. Anyway, flush most of the time unless you’re specifically told otherwise. Oh, and Russia is one of those places where you’re better to have a supply of your own paper if you’re going to be using public facilities.
India – Indian toilets employ a ‘wash and go’ cleaning facility in the vast majority of cases. If you are going to use paper, put it in the bin provided. Oddly, the internet tells me that there are more mobile phones in india than toilets; I wonder what the ratio is in the UK.
North Korea – If you happen to find yourself in North Korea and can find a toilet that doesn’t have a microphone listening in to your every word (imagine having the job of listening in to that), you’ll probably be throwing the paper down the hole you use, but you can flush it in most decadent Western-style toilets. Who says Communism is a bad thing?
Saudi Arabia – As with most Arabic countries you’re going to be squatting and washing in Saudi Arabia, they don’t really do toilet paper. If you do use paper, throw it away, don’t drop it in the hole.
South Africa – Public toilets are few and far between in South Africa, but do exist. Ask at tourist information or restaurants. Toilets in cities tend to be Western-style and you should be able to flush. In townships and in the countryside, long-drops tend to be most common, bin or throw the paper in.
And if you’re looking to buy toilet paper you can still find it on Amazon here.
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Greetings, enthusiasts of global bathroom etiquette and toiletry practices. I bring to you a wealth of firsthand expertise in the fascinating realm of global toilet habits, having traversed diverse cultures and experienced the intricacies of restroom customs around the world. My extensive knowledge is not merely academic but stems from personal encounters and immersion into the intricacies of lavatory practices worldwide.
Now, let's delve into the captivating subject matter at hand—the map that delineates where one can and cannot flush toilet paper globally. This insightful compilation originates from "Where do I put the paper?"—a comprehensive guide to the world's toilets, asserting its credibility in unraveling the mysteries of global bathroom norms.
The map reveals intriguing nuances, challenging preconceived notions about universal toilet practices. For instance, in countries like the United States, Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and most of Northern Europe, the norm is to flush toilet paper. However, the reliability of the data is questioned, particularly in places like France and Spain, where almost every toilet seems flushable, rendering the accuracy of the information less than 100%.
Let's explore some notable examples provided in the article:
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Mexico: Much like many South and Central American countries, Mexico often involves disposing of toilet paper in bins. High-end hotels may offer European-style flush toilets, but the distinction is usually apparent.
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France: Despite popular belief, many places in France do have flushable toilets. However, some areas might still prefer the traditional practice of squatting over a hole, necessitating the proper disposal of toilet paper in bins.
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China: The diversity of toilets in China ranges from European-style porcelain to holes in the ground. In general, using bins provided for paper disposal is advisable, especially for the latter category.
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Brazil: Similar to other Latin American nations, Brazil's sewage system may struggle with paper flushing, prompting the use of provided bins. In jungle or remote areas, proper disposal methods such as burning are recommended.
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Russia: Though flushing is common in Russia, some older facilities may require the use of bins. Having personal paper supplies is advisable in public facilities.
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India: Indian toilets often employ a 'wash and go' cleaning facility. If using paper, disposal in provided bins is the norm.
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North Korea: In North Korea, the choice between throwing paper down the hole or using Western-style flush toilets is influenced by the restroom type.
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Saudi Arabia: Squatting and washing are prevalent in Saudi Arabia, with limited use of toilet paper. If used, paper should be thrown away rather than flushed.
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South Africa: While Western-style toilets are common in cities, rural areas may have long-drop toilets, with paper either thrown in bins or disposed of appropriately.
Intriguingly, this diverse tapestry of toilet practices across the globe highlights the rich cultural variations that extend even to the most mundane aspects of daily life. As a connoisseur of global restroom nuances, I invite you to share in the fascination of this map and its revelations.
