Get to know Portland's famous toilet

Why it matters: Everyone's got to go!

• Accessible public restrooms are a persistent challenge for cities, as they're often scarce, expensive to maintain or misused for criminal activity.

Context: Since launching in 2008 as a way to discourage vandalism and drug use, the Portland Loo has been installed in more than 250 locations and counting, including Philadelphia, Vancouver, B.C. and even New Zealand.

What's inside: A toilet, of course, plus a hand washing station, mobility grab bars, a garbage can, a sharps disposal and blue lighting meant to discourage drug use, according to its website.

• The horizontal metal slats at the top and bottom of the structure provide ventilation and visibility — in case law enforcement or emergency services are called — and an ADA-friendly door makes it wheelchair-accessible.

• Interchangeable parts and add-on amenities (like baby changing tables and toilet covers) make for easy upkeep.
• Plus: It's connected directly to a city's municipal water supply and sewage systems. Some even use solar power.

By the numbers: At $100,000 per single unit, it's a steal considering the loo can last up to 100 years.