Hong Kong honours six outstanding public toilet attendants
Hong Kong's Food and Hygiene Department has named three male and three female outstanding public toilet attendants for 2026. The department is using smart technology, including IoT sensors and fall-detection systems, to improve cleanliness and safety, while stressing a people-first approach.
The Hong Kong Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) has selected six outstanding public toilet attendants for 2026, recognising three men and three women who serve facilities across the city. The award aims to highlight the importance of high-quality public sanitation in maintaining the city's image as a global financial hub.
Deputy Secretary for Food and Hygiene Yuen Yuk-kin said: “As an international financial centre, Hong Kong needs efficient urban life. A city's quality depends not only on major infrastructure but also on whether public services are meticulous and considerate. Public toilets are a very routine yet extremely important service. Clean, comfortable toilets directly affect residents' quality of life and, for visitors, are a window into the city's management standards. Good toilet service not only improves the city's image but also meets the actual needs of every user.”
The award-winning attendants serve at public toilets in Aberdeen (Southern District), Hoi Hing Road (Tsuen Wan), New Hung Hom Ferry Pier (Kowloon City), Warren Street (Wan Chai), Ma Wan (Kwun Tong), and Ma Liu Shui Waterfront (Sha Tin). FEHD has been upgrading facilities through a multi-pronged renovation plan, expanding smart-toilet systems to 50 toilets with IoT sensors for real-time odour monitoring, and installing fall-detection systems in about 40 toilets. It has also added nano-bubble ozone systems for enhanced disinfection and deodorisation in high-use facilities, and uses ATP bioluminescence testing to objectively assess surface hygiene.
Yuen encouraged the awardees, noting that facility upgrades and technology are only aids. “Providing quality service is always people-first. With heavy usage, maintaining cleanliness requires not only hard work but also careful observation, timely problem-solving, and a commitment to high standards. Their work is demanding, and their professionalism deserves respect,” he said.
FEHD is also splitting toilet management from street-cleaning contracts, introducing specialised contracts in more districts to boost competition and efficiency. New contracts require attendants to undergo professional training and obtain recognised qualifications; more than 1,800 trainees have completed the programme. A small-works order recording system has also improved maintenance efficiency.
In 2026, FEHD's cross-department team won the Ombudsman's Merit Award (Team Award) for the project “Using innovative technology and optimising inspection systems to improve public toilet service quality.” A department spokesman said: “FEHD will continue its people-first, technology-enabled approach to renovate toilets and implement smart management. Keeping toilets clean in the long term also requires public cooperation. We call on citizens and visitors to treasure the facilities and cooperate with frontline staff to maintain public hygiene.”
