Toilet Paper Flushing In Austria: What You Need To Know

In some countries, flushing toilet paper is not possible due to the inability of the sewage system to cope with it. In these cases, it is customary to throw used toilet paper into a bin. This is the case in several European countries, including Greece, Turkey, and parts of France. In a Reddit post, a user mentions that they encountered toilets that could not be flushed in the Carinthian mountains in Austria. However, another user refutes this claim, stating that they have never encountered such toilets in Austria.

Flushing toilet paper in Austria

Austria is one of the many countries in Europe where flushing toilet paper is standard practice. However, there are some nuances and exceptions to this rule, especially in certain regions and rural areas. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you navigate this aspect of Austrian bathroom culture.

Modern Plumbing in Austria

Austria, like most Western European countries, has a well-developed sewage system that can handle toilet paper being flushed down the drain. So, if you are visiting major cities or modern establishments in Austria, you can rest assured that flushing toilet paper is the norm. This is in contrast to some other European countries such as Greece, Turkey, and parts of South America, where the plumbing is more fragile and prone to clogging.

Rural and Remote Areas

However, it is important to note that in more remote or rural areas of Austria, such as the Carinthian mountains, the plumbing may not be as robust. In these regions, it is not uncommon to find older buildings with plumbing that is not designed to handle flushed toilet paper. As a result, you may encounter toilets with a small bin or wastebasket next to them, indicating that you should dispose of the toilet paper there instead of flushing it. This practice is also sometimes seen in other European countries with less advanced sewage systems.

Tips for Travellers

When travelling through Austria, it is always a good idea to be mindful of the local plumbing and bathroom customs, especially in rural or remote areas. If you encounter a toilet with a wastebasket for toilet paper, it is important to respect this custom to avoid causing any blockages or other issues. Additionally, carrying pocket-sized tissue packs or your own toilet paper is always a good idea, as some public restrooms may not be well-stocked.

In conclusion, while flushing toilet paper is generally accepted in Austria, there may be exceptions in certain regions or older buildings. Being mindful of local practices and staying informed about the specific areas you plan to visit will help ensure that you don't accidentally cause any plumbing problems during your time in Austria.

Bins for toilet paper in some European countries

In most Western countries, it is common practice to flush toilet paper down the toilet. However, in some European countries, the standard method of disposal is to put it in a bin instead. This is because some countries' sewage systems cannot cope with toilet paper.

Austria

In Austria, it is generally acceptable to flush toilet paper down the toilet. However, in very remote, rural, or older buildings, such as in the Carinthian mountains, there may be a bin provided for toilet paper disposal.

Greece

Throughout Greece, it is customary to put used toilet paper in a bin instead of flushing it. This is due to the country's old and narrow sewage system.

France

In most of France, it is safe to flush toilet paper. However, in some remote or older buildings in rural areas, such as in the French Pyrenees, there may be a bin provided for toilet paper disposal.

Germany

In Germany, it is generally acceptable to flush toilet paper down the toilet. However, some sources mention that Germany is poo-fixated, suggesting that there may be a cultural preference for checking one's bowel movements.

Other European Countries

Other European countries where it is customary to put toilet paper in a bin instead of flushing it include Belarus, Ukraine, Bosnia, Herzegovina, Moldova, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Turkey, Montenegro, and Cyprus. Additionally, in some rural areas of South America, such as in the Brazilian Amazon, it is necessary to burn used toilet paper or dispose of it in a hygienic way.

The 'pump toilet' in Great Britain

The pump toilet in Great Britain

Pump toilets, also known as flush toilets, are a common feature in Great Britain. While the country is known for its innovative plumbing developments, some unique characteristics set British toilets apart.

One notable feature is the wall-mounted tank positioned high up near the ceiling. This design provides a powerful flushing action but can sometimes lead to a damp environment. Users often need to quickly step back to avoid getting splashed. These tanks are often found in older buildings, such as Victorian-era structures or low-budget hostels, and are typically coated with multiple layers of paint.

Another interesting variation is the flushing mechanism located just above and behind the bowl. This type of flush requires a specific angular velocity to operate effectively, and users may need a few attempts to get used to it.

Some British toilets also showcase impressive craftsmanship, with tanks enclosed within the wall, leaving only the handle visible. This design exudes confidence in the reliability of the plumbing system.

The labelling on British toilet doors is also worth noting. Instead of the standard "Men" and "Women," British toilets often use the more cultured "Gents" and "Ladies." Additionally, the use of stylized "Trousered Humanoid" and "Aproned Humanoid" outlines adds a unique touch.

Britain also offers a glimpse into the history of toilets, with examples ranging from Neolithic times through to Roman, Medieval, and 19th-century designs. From the monastic toilets of Glastonbury Abbey to the Roman toilets at Vercovicium Fort along Hadrian's Wall, visitors can explore the evolution of sanitation.

Furthermore, Britain is known for its sturdy public toilets made from stainless steel. These can be found in various locations, including pubs, trains, and buses.

Overall, while British toilets may present some initial mysteries to visitors, they reflect the country's rich history and innovative spirit in plumbing and sanitation.

Gender-neutral bathrooms in Europe

Gender-neutral bathrooms are becoming increasingly common around the world, with countries like Canada, China, India, Thailand, the United States, Japan, and Nepal leading the way. While there is no EU-wide debate about transgender bathrooms, the European Union has been praised for its efforts to advance gender equality and transgender rights. In 2016, the European Parliament called for a new strategy for gender equality and women's rights for 2016-2020, which included trans-inclusive language and policies. This strategy recognises that gender equality and transgender equality are intrinsically linked, with the root causes of transphobia stemming from sexism, misogyny, and rigid gender stereotypes.

Sweden

Sweden has been noted for having unisex bathrooms, although it is unclear whether these are gender-neutral.

United Kingdom

While the UK is not known for its gender-neutral bathrooms, it is worth noting that flushing toilet paper is the norm in the country, and its sewage systems are considered impeccable.

Austria

Austria is not listed among the countries with known trends towards incorporating gender-neutral bathrooms. However, when it comes to toilets, Austria is known for having a "little shelf in the bowl" to inspect one's faeces. Additionally, in some remote, rural, or mountainous areas with poor plumbing, it is common to find bins next to the toilet for toilet paper disposal, rather than flushing.

Other European Countries

Other European countries where it is common to find bins for toilet paper disposal instead of flushing include Greece, Belarus, Ukraine, Bosnia, Herzegovina, Moldova, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Turkey, Montenegro, and some rural areas in France, Andorra, and the Carinthian mountains in Austria.

Squat toilets in Europe

Squat toilets are more common in Europe than many people realise. While they are often associated with Asian countries like Singapore, Thailand, and Taiwan, they can also be found in certain parts of Europe. These include Russia and the Balkans.

Squat toilets involve squatting over a hole in the ground, with a place to rest your feet on either side. They are sometimes made of porcelain or metal, and may have the option to flush, or there may be a bucket of water and a cup to clean the area after use.

In Europe, squat toilets are more likely to be found in older or more remote buildings. For example, one person reported finding a squat toilet in a very old, remote building in the Carinthian mountains in Austria. Another reported finding one in an extremely remote area in the French Pyrenees.

In some European countries, the plumbing is too frail to cope with toilet paper being flushed. In these countries, it is customary to put used toilet paper in a bin instead. This is the case in Belarus, Ukraine, Bosnia, Herzegovina, Moldova, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Turkey, Montenegro, and Greece.

In Austria, it is fine to flush toilet paper, but there is often a small shelf in the bowl so that users can inspect their faeces.

Frequently asked questions