Understanding the Rapid Rise of Waterless Urinals in Airports

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While no single report tracks every single eco-friendly fixture worldwide, the data is clear: major international hubs are rapidly adopting waterless urinals to meet aggressive sustainability goals.

This is according to The Airport Waterless Urinal Market Research Report 2033. The report, published by Growth Market Reports (Ontario, Canada), found that sustainable sanitation is no longer a niche trend in aviation—it is a global standard.

Key Insights from the Airport Waterless Urinal Market Report:

  • Current Market Value: The global airport waterless urinal market size was valued at USD 312.8 million in 2024, reflecting widespread adoption across major transit facilities.

  • Accelerated Growth: The market is projected to expand at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.2% from 2025 to 2033.

  • Future Forecast: Driven by strict environmental regulations and the rising cost of utilities, the market is forecasted to reach USD 587.1 million by 2033.

Why Modern Airports are Installing Waterless Urinals

Airports function as massive, high-traffic cities. Because they operate 24/7 and host millions of travelers, restroom facilities represent one of the largest sources of commercial water consumption.

Aviation authorities are turning to no-flush technology for several critical reasons:

  • Massive Water Savings: Upgrading to a waterless urinal allows airports to save up to 35,000 gallons of water per unit annually.

  • Green Building Certifications: Implementing waterless urinal technology helps airports earn vital points toward LEED and BREEAM certifications, which are now standard prerequisites for global airport renovations and new terminal construction.

  • Operational Cost Reductions: Lower water usage directly translates to decreased utility costs and reduced strain on municipal wastewater systems.

Did You Know?

India’s Jaipur International Airport has successfully installed waterless urinals and is now recognized as one of the few elite, water-positive airports in the world—meaning it returns more potable water to the local ecosystem than it consumes.

To learn more about their successes and how they accomplished them, read our in-depth analysis on Thirsty Giants: Water Use at Major Airports.

Global Examples: International Hubs Leading in Sustainable Sanitation

Major European and international transit hubs are proving the rapid return on investment (ROI) and reliability of water-efficiency technologies:

Airport & Proven Environmental & Operational Impact

Brussels Airport: Saves an impressive thirty-two million liters of drinking water every single year.

Copenhagen Airport: Achieved rapid profitability within a 14-month installation timeframe.

Geneva Airport: Long-term, large-scale deployment of waterless urinals and other water reducing technologies

Belfast Airport: Prioritized commercial water conservation to meet strict local environmental mandates.

Grenchen Airport Switzerland; Early pioneer in utilizing fully automated, self-cleaning waterless systems.

 Sustainability is the New Standard in Airport Design

The shift toward sustainable plumbing infrastructure is happening at every tier of the aviation industry, not just at multi-terminal international hubs.

"By installing waterless urinals, these airports have shown they are reducing water consumption and taking steps to use water more wisely, responsibly, and efficiently," says Klaus Reichardt, CEO and founder of Waterless Co., Inc., a pioneer in the industry since 1991.

"And it’s not just large airports like those mentioned above," Reichardt adds. "Hundreds of airports worldwide—from small regional hubs to major international gateways—now have waterless urinals. The number is increasing steadily as sustainability becomes a fundamental standard in airport design and modern facility renovation."

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