Five Common Restroom Problems Facility Managers Face and How the Right Dispensers Solve Them
Restrooms are one of the most demanding areas in any facility. They require constant attention, influence occupant perception, and can quietly drain budgets through waste and labor inefficiencies. Many of the most common restroom problems stem from outdated or poorly designed dispenser systems. In this article, we’ll discuss the issues and give you examples of products that can help solve them.
1. Excessive Toilet Paper Waste from Partial Rolls
One of the most persistent restroom problems is toilet paper waste caused by partially used rolls being discarded. Traditional dispensers allow users or staff to access a new roll before the previous one is fully used, which drives up supply costs and increases trash volume.
The Solution: A dispenser engineered to prevent waste
Consider the Georgia Pacific Compact Quad Plus. Compact Quad Plus toilet paper dispensers use a patented roll-lock mechanism that prevents access to a new roll until the current roll is nearly empty. When paired with Compact coreless refills, this design enables almost 100 percent paper usage.
2. Too Much Time Spent on Refills and Maintenance
Frequent refill checks and constant servicing pull cleaning staff away from higher-value tasks. Low-capacity dispensers and complicated loading mechanisms increase labor costs and create more opportunities for empty dispensers.
The Solution: High-capacity dispensers
For toilet tissue, look for dispensers that hold four rolls. Dispensers like the Compact Quad Plus reduce service frequency, saving labor and allowing staff to spend more time on high-value tasks.
For hand towels, look for dispensers with high-capacity rolls. Georgia Pacific’s Pacific Blue Ultra® paper towel dispenser holds a 1,150 ft roll, helping reduce service frequency. In addition, the front cover is easy to access, opening a full 180 degrees. Faster loading and longer refill intervals help staff service restrooms more efficiently and consistently.
3. Occupant Hygiene Concerns from High-Touch Surfaces
Restrooms are high-contact environments, and concerns about cross-contamination continue to rise. Manual dispensing and bulk soap refills can make users uncomfortable and increase hygiene risks, especially in healthcare, education, and foodservice settings.
The Solution: High-quality motion-activated dispensers
Pacific Blue Ultra® offers touchless paper towel and soap dispensers that reduce contact points. Sealed soap and sanitizer refills help prevent contamination associated with bulk refilling while delivering controlled dispensing to reduce overuse. These features support stronger hygiene practices without adding complexity.
4. Inconsistent or Outdated Restroom Appearance
Even well-cleaned restrooms can feel neglected when dispensers do not match or appear dated. Inconsistent hardware undermines the perception of cleanliness and professionalism, particularly in customer-facing environments.
The Solution: Use matching dispenser families
Both the Compact and Pacific Blue dispenser lines feature modern, coordinated designs that create a clean and professional look throughout the restroom. Using matching dispenser families across toilet paper, paper towels, and skin care helps elevate the overall appearance without costly renovations or downtime.
5. Difficulty Meeting Sustainability Goals
Many facility managers are tasked with reducing waste and supporting sustainability initiatives while still maintaining reliable restroom performance. Products that compromise durability or capacity often create more problems than they solve.
The Solution: Look for products that have sustainability built in
Compact® coreless toilet paper reduces packaging waste and improves shipping efficiency. Pacific Blue Ultra® paper towel refills contain at least 50 percent post-consumer recycled fiber and meet Green Seal standards. These systems help facilities reduce waste and support environmental goals without sacrificing performance.
Final Takeaway: One Set of Problems, Proven Solutions
Most restroom challenges come down to waste, labor, hygiene, and perception. Hillyard can help you evaluate your restroom setup and select the right dispenser solutions for your facility. Use the form at the bottom of this page to contact us and start solving your restroom challenges more effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can restroom dispensers help reduce product waste?
Well-designed dispensers control access to supplies and encourage full product usage before refills are needed. Features such as roll-lock mechanisms, controlled dispensing, and high-capacity designs help minimize the need to throw away partially used products, lowering supply costs and reducing waste.
Do modern dispenser systems really improve maintenance efficiency?
Yes. High-capacity dispensers and easy-load designs reduce the frequency and time required for servicing restrooms. Fewer refills, faster loading, and standardized refill formats allow cleaning staff to work more efficiently and focus on higher-priority tasks.
How do dispenser choices impact hygiene in restrooms?
Dispenser design plays a significant role in hygiene. Touchless activation reduces contact with high-touch surfaces, while sealed refill systems help prevent contamination. Controlled dispensing also limits overuse, supporting both cleanliness and consistency across the facility.