Be prepared for Beijing Olympics (if you are visiting)

[Cachondo]

Beijing enlists army of toilet trained staff - Olympics host city struggles with seated vs. squat commode decision

Beijing has dispatched 8,000 toilet maintenance staff, each responsible for a specific public restroom in the city and trained in hygiene standards and techniques, Olympic knowledge and practical English expressions, Xinhua said on Friday.

A stainless steel squat toilet is pictured in Victoria Park, Hong Kong. Ahead of the Olympics, Beijing officials face the unique problem of deciding between traditional squat toilets or Western-style seated commodes.



There will be selective inspections every week and the results will be posted on the Web site of the Municipal Utilities Administration Commission, said the news agency.

The city was also struggling with which style of commode would be best, noting Westerners prefer seated toilets, which are more comfortable and convenient for the elderly or infirm.

The squat toilets widely used in Chinese public facilities are considered more hygienic as there is no direct contact with body, it said.

At more than 30 test events held by the Games organizers, the squat versions drew frequent complaints from foreigners, said Xinhua.

"Not all of the toilets will be changed, but those for journalists, athletes, and VIPs will be," Xinhua quoted Yao Hui, the deputy director of venue management, as saying.

Or you can bring your own

Shit Box is a lightweight portable cardboard toilet, made specifically for outdoor use. The box pops up from a convenient 14 inch flat pack to a rigid, reusable, comfortable toilet. Each box comes with ten degradable poo bags.