Where our toilet data comes from, and how you can make it better
· 3 min read
Every toilet on ToiletSearch.uk comes from OpenStreetMap, the free map of the world made by volunteers, a bit like Wikipedia for maps. Right now that gives us 13,999 toilets across 1,672 UK towns and cities.
What is OpenStreetMap?
OpenStreetMap was started in the UK in 2004, and has grown into one of the biggest maps in the world. Millions of people have contributed to it, from local volunteers walking their own streets to councils, charities and businesses adding their own data. Anyone can use it for free, as long as they credit it, which is why you’ll see “© OpenStreetMap contributors” on our maps.
Why we use it
- It’s open. Anyone can use it for free, and anyone can improve it. That keeps ToiletSearch.uk free, with no adverts.
- Fixes help everyone. When you correct a toilet on OpenStreetMap, the change helps every website and app that uses the map, not just ours.
- It’s detailed. As well as where a toilet is, it can record opening hours, charges, wheelchair access, RADAR locks, baby changing, Changing Places facilities and more.
- It’s kept up to date by thousands of local volunteers. We refresh our copy regularly, so fixes show up on ToiletSearch.uk soon after they’re made.
What’s missing?
Most toilets are on the map, but many details are still blank:
- Only about 10% of toilets have opening hours listed.
- About 47% say whether they’re free or paid.
- About 44% say whether they’re wheelchair accessible.
Those gaps matter: they’re the difference between a confident trip and a wasted one. When a detail is missing, we leave it blank rather than guessing, so a toilet with no wheelchair information might be fully accessible, or might not.
How to add or fix a toilet
- Find the toilet on ToiletSearch.uk and tap Fix details. This opens it on OpenStreetMap.
- To change it yourself, create a free OpenStreetMap account, click Edit, and update the details: opening hours, whether it’s free, wheelchair access, baby changing and so on. The editor explains each field as you go.
- Not comfortable editing? Leave a note on the map for local volunteers to check, or email us and we’ll pass it on.
To add a missing toilet, open OpenStreetMap, zoom in to the right spot and choose Edit, or right-click and choose Add a note here.
The easy way: answer questions on your phone
If you have an Android phone, the free StreetComplete app is a gentle way to start. It shows you things near you that are missing details, such as a toilet with no opening hours or no information about charges, and asks you simple questions. You tap an answer, and it updates OpenStreetMap for you. It’s ideal for filling in details while you’re out and about.
What makes a good update
- Only add what you’ve seen. Check the sign on the door or the council’s website, rather than guessing.
- Opening hours are the most useful thing you can add, followed by charges and wheelchair access.
- If a toilet has closed for good, mark it as closed rather than deleting it, so others know it isn’t a mistake.
Join in
The OpenStreetMap UK community runs mapping projects focused on public toilets. They’re a friendly way to get started and see how much a few minutes’ mapping can help. Even adding the opening hours of the toilet you use most is a real help to the next person.