Say Goodbye to Messy, Toilet Paper-Free Fun: Germany's Revolutionary Playground Toilet for Tots!
- "Germany's Debut: Children's Toilet at a Playground"
Every parent knows the struggle: Your little one suddenly needs to use the restroom, but there's nowhere to go on the playground. Well, that issue has been tackled in Höxter, Germany, with the introduction of the "Oilette". This innovative playground toilet is the country's first of its kind, designed specifically for toddlers and children.
At first glance, the "Oilette" resembles a miniature bus stop. It's a breeze for kids to use: Simply pull the bag over the seat, do their business, and toss the bag in the trash—it's as simple as that. While it might not seem groundbreaking, it's all about making the world of pee and poop more accessible, whether you're a big kid or a little one.
A Sweet Deal for Your Wallet & Kids' Needs: Affordable and Cheaper Than Traditional Toilets!
The genius behind the "Oilette" is the creation of two women from Frankfurt am Main. Sina Schreiber, a mother of a 4-year-old daughter, has dealt with the playground bathroom conundrum all too often. With the support of the Höxter children's protection association, she was able to convince the mayor to bring the "Oilette" to life. The city takes care of the maintenance, as long as they get a small slice of the pie—only around 3,000 euros for the entire "Oilette" setup. That's a real steal compared to traditional fixed toilets, which can cost up to an eye-watering 200,000 euros!
Privacy Fears? Bushes to the Rescue!
But not everyone's on board with the Oilette. Some parents are concerned about the lack of privacy and fear that the public nature of the "Oilette" could attract creepy" voyeurs or predators. The "Oilette" in Höxter currently has bare bushes for a barrier, but spring's arrival should bring some much-needed privacy as they grow denser. The city has promised to plant more bushes to ensure everyone feels protected while taking care of business.
Transparency note: Stern is owned by RTL Germany.
Want to know more about the Oilette? Check out the breakdown and comparison with traditional fixed toilets below:
Cost Comparison:
- Oilette: The upfront cost for an Oilette is higher due to its specialized design. Maintenance costs are generally lower because of its simplicity.
- Fixed Toilets: While fixed toilets have a lower purchase price, the installation costs can be higher due to the need for plumbing and infrastructure setup. Fixed toilets also require more maintenance due to their complex plumbing systems and higher usage rates.
Installation Comparison:
- Oilette: The installation of an Oilette is simpler since it doesn't require extensive plumbing connections. Portable toilets like the Oilette can be easily moved or rearranged, making them beneficial for temporary events or changing landscape designs.
- Fixed Toilets: The installation of fixed toilets is more complex due to plumbing, electrical, and infrastructure requirements. Fixed toilets are less flexible since they're permanently attached to systems, making relocation challenging.
Overall, the Oilette offers convenience and flexibility for playgrounds and outdoor settings, potentially offsetting higher initial costs through ease of installation and maintenance. Fixed toilets, while more traditional, require more infrastructure but may be more cost-effective in terms of initial purchase price.
- The talented duo from Frankfurt am Main, Sina Schreiber and a fellow woman, devised the 'Oilette' as a novel solution to the issue of community aid in the development of playgrounds for regional development.
- The 'Oilette' boasts a distinctive design that resembles a miniature restroom, making it accessible for children, assisting in regional development and the overall development of regions.
- Concerns about privacy have been raised about the 'Oilette', but the city of Höxter plans to address these fears by inventing a solution using bushes as barriers, aiming to make the 'Oilette' a safer and more comfortable option for all.

