W EEKLY EDITION NOVEMBER 14, 2018
PSAI Observes World Portable Sanitation Day and
World Toilet Day
Background. P ortable restrooms play an important role in providing sanitation options globally. Whether
the units are used for a weekend festival in North America or as an interim option in regions lacking
sewered services, the humble porta - potty is an essential resour ce when people urgently "gotta go." To
recognize this contribution, in 2013 the PSAI designated August 15 each year as World Portable Sanitation
Day (WPSD). Since then the Association and its Members have led the way in raising awareness about
sanitation a nd the significant impact of portable units.
Similarly, World Toilet Day (WTD) is a campaign to motivate and mobilize millions around the world on
issues relating to sanitation. Originally
established by the Worl d Toilet
Organization (WTO) in 2001, the day is
intended to draw attention to global
sanitation issues and is observed annually
on November 19. Since 2001, World Toilet
Day has grown in scope and recognition by
global partners. In 2013, the United
Nations (UN) passed a resolution
recognizing WTD as an official UN
international day (UN Resolution A/67/L.75)
At the 2016 Nuts and Bolts Educational
Conference, the PSAI announced that
WPSD would move to November 19 beginning in 2017. The purpose of the move was to unite the globe in
its recognition of sanitation and to speak with one voice regarding its importance.
"Over the past few years, the PSAI has been in contact with many partners around the world. Beginning
with our meeting with the German association BDE in May 2015, then by way of the PSAI's involvement
with ANSI and ISO in the creation of global standards for nonsewered waste solutions in 2016, and finally
through interactions with representatives from the World Toilet Organization, the value of joi ning together
became clear to us," says Karleen Kos, PSAI Executive Director.
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