Where to go to the toilet when delivering in NYC

Of all the hurdles facing the delivery riders and drivers of New York City, one commonly flies under the radar: Where to go to the toilet when delivering?

Speeding down the avenues and sidewalks of New York leaves little time to look around for the right kinds of facilities. Access to restrooms can be a crucial and confusing job requirement.

Don’t worry; Whizz has you covered.

Here are some of the best public toilets, delivery workers' rights in restaurant bathrooms, and business owners who say no.

Public toilets in NYC

Delivery workers are faced with many threats. From small wages to e-bike thefts, the job of a delivery driver is challenging. One problem not many people think about is access to restrooms.

Though New York City is notoriously underserved by public restrooms, there are many places that are both easy to find and clean. Delivery workers said they commonly utilized the following:

• Bryant Park restrooms: Situated in Midtown Manhattan, these are usually touted as two of the cleanest and well-maintained restrooms. They are open every day and are super reliable, should one be in the area.
• Grand Central Terminal: This is one of New York's iconic places, with a few restrooms inside that are relatively clean and well-kept. However, during peak commute times, be prepared for crowds.
• The Oculus at the World Trade Center: This is a modern hub with clean facilities; in most situations, delivery riders in the Financial District find this place suitable.
• Times Square restrooms (42nd Street): The public restrooms near Times Square are known for their accessibility, though they may not always meet cleanliness standards due to heavy usage.
• NYC public libraries: many branches of the New York Public Library system have restrooms open to the public; they may be a good choice in the more low-key neighborhoods.

These are the places that can help you during your break.

Just keep this in mind: Delivery personnel commonly find that their access is often hit-or-miss because so many don't have available facilities, have long lines, or don't allow access after working hours.

Can delivery workers use the restrooms of restaurants and cafes?

Delivery workers often have to invest time in restaurants either to pick up an order or wait for one to get ready.

According to New York City legislation from 2021, delivery workers are entitled to use the restrooms in the establishments where they are picking up food. This law was important to help these workers' struggles in finding simple facilities.

While it is a right by law, nuances can be felt on the ground.

Whereas some restaurants would gladly let delivery guys in, making that a minor courtesy, which basically is a human approach, others are less welcoming for a litany of reasons, which include perceived hygiene, lack of space, or interference with operations.

What restaurant owners and workers have to say

Restroom access can be a contentious issue with restaurant owners and workers. Some also defend the policy, citing the humane and respectful attitude that one needs to show before the delivery workers.

They say the pandemic brought home the realization that they are doing an essential service of sustaining the restaurant business, and giving them restroom access can be one token of appreciation.

However, this development is only taken positively by some of the owners of eating outlets.

Others say that it would stretch their facilities, more so for the eateries that are of limited area.

There have also been complaints of misuse, like leaving the restrooms messy, and such abuses make the owners resistant to such prospects.

One Manhattan restaurant manager said, "We try to accommodate delivery workers to the fullest extent of our capabilities, but sometimes at busy hours, we can't really allow it. We need to address the needs of the customers, too."

In general, while, theoretically, delivery workers are legally allowed to use bathrooms in the restaurants from which they are delivering food, it’s advised to ask the workers or owners politely about whether their toilets are available.

Tips for delivery riders to find toilets quickly

Knowing where the restroom is located is more helpful to delivery workers than people might realize. Several strategies may help:

• Use restroom locator apps: Apps like Flush and SitOrSquat provide information on nearby restrooms, including public and business facilities. These can save time during busy shifts.
• Planning ahead: Riders may want to remember the rest stops for routine rides, especially around parks, trains, and shopping areas.
• Polite requests: Restaurants or cafes, in regard to toilets, should be used with politeness and neatness so as not to conflict with the workers.

Conclusion

To complete their job successfully, delivery workers need access to restrooms when navigating through NYC.

Various public restrooms, such as Bryant Park and the restrooms at Grand Central Terminal, do offer some relief, but even these are somewhat limited.

A good first step indeed was giving them the right to use restrooms in restaurants. However, what is even more needed is awareness and cooperation with businesses and delivery workers.

These include improvements in the facilities in public restrooms, as well as better communication between riders and restaurant staff.

Even such small measures can go a long way in ensuring comfort for the delivery workers who keep New York City running.

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FAQs

What do delivery drivers do when they need the toilet?

Delivery drivers often have to use public bathrooms at a park, in subways, and yes, even the library, when few other options are available.

Most stops include fast-food chains like McDonald's or Starbucks; one might well expect a purchase to be in order. Others use route planning, word of mouth through gig-work networks, or restroom lists available through an app.

Is it illegal to refuse someone the toilet?

Generally, businesses have the right to restrict restroom access.

Delivery riders can sometimes use restrooms at establishments where they are not delivering, but it depends on the business's policy. Many chain restaurants or cafes will grant access to restrooms without regard to customer status, although a purchase might be suggested. Smaller or busier establishments may limit access to customers only.