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.
Find this map interesting? Please help us by sharing it.
Nigel A says
Seriously
If you live or visit a country where you’re advised to Burn your own Shit! Well I’m never leaving Britain again 😉
Rob says
I was gonna say not true but it April 1 I get it ok
M Parisinou says
Cyprus is a “it depends”. Speaking as a native. In cities where a separate system is in place you can. Where they still use septic tanks, no.
M Parisinou says
Sorry, autocorrect did a number on me. Not separate system, sewerage!
Phivos says
No you cannot and shouldn’t! The system is not able to cope. Please stop.
Charles Moore says
Indeed, a very interesting case… ”WHY IS TANZANIA THE ONLY EXCEPTION IN AFRICAN SUBCONTINENT”.
Francisco says
This map’s very inaccurate. You can flush the toilet paper in the urban areas of Latin America, but no in the rural ones. Of course, if you go to a beach in the middle of nowhere, you have to be more cautious.
Zachary Mays says
Exactly what I was thinking. I’ve flushed toilet paper in a few of the “red” countries – most recently Medellin, CO. Though I have also encountered the “bin” approach, it’s not as cut and dry and this map would have you imagine.
Nicola Angelini says
I couldn’t flush tp anywere in Buenos Aires.
Franck Arrii says
I am French and I can witness that we flush the toilet paper in France, everywhere. I am afraid your data is outdated. I still love your maps 😉
Attila says
What is the source of information? ‘It depends’ category is not true for Hungary. Flushing e.g. sanitary pads is forbidden, but the paper can be flushed anywhere and everywhere.
Attila says
I see Hungary is yellow (“it depends”). I’m a native Hungarian, been almost everywhere in this little country (I’m 42) and I’ve never seen a place where you can’t flush paper. Hungary is green for sure.
Nicola Angelini says
It’s a very inaccurate map. Italian, 52, never found a place in my country where I couldn’t flush tp.
The Moose says
Same for Italy – been all around it and have never seen a place where one can’t flush toilet paper down.
Strazdas says
Flushing the paper is a bad idea anyway. It fucks the cleaning systems afterwards. Just have a waste bin people.
Marvin Mcmurray says
It only does so because the system was not designed for it.
Tool small of pipes, inadequate treatment facilities and so on.
Flushing feces and urine, and the wipe paper is the most sanitary thing to do, behind washing your hands.
Jean-Baptiste says
Who doesn’t flush the toilet paper in Argentina? I have been in Brazil, Bolivia and Uruguay and in all those the paper was flushed. 🤷♂️
Osiris Rocamora says
Flushing the toilet paper, a first world exclusive criteria.
Fanch says
Well the part about France is from another planet. Popular belief from where?
Toilets can be flushed everywhere with toilet paper and this has been the case for a long time. Maybe pre-WWII there were some places where you couldn’t, not even sure, the sewer system must have been updated at the beginning of the XXth century. and completed in remote areas in the 1930s.
Tap water quality is rather good, can be drunk almost everywhere.
Élodie says
Ridiculous map, RIDICULOUS comment about France. Even for April the 1st 🙄
Dee says
I agree with a comment made before that the information used to create this map is outdated. I live in Kenya and we flush toilet paper ALL the time.