When anyone in the hospitality industry considers ways to cut operational costs to save money, chances are the public restroom may not be the first area that comes to mind. However, a few simple changes in restroom fixtures can help to eliminate waste and reduce maintenance costs—all while keeping the restroom clean and sanitary for both customers and employees.
Sanitation in the restroom is a major concern, especially during flu season, but cost is a top concern no matter what the season. Paper of every kind has become increasingly expensive over the past decade and typically people use more than they need to in public restrooms. In fact, on average, people use 2.5 paper towel sheets every time they dry their hands. With the cost of paper towels up to 2 cents per sheet it can cost as much as 5 cents per person to dry their hands. So think about how many people use your restroom every day and multiply that number by 5 cents each. It’s an expense that can add up to thousands of dollars per year on paper towels alone. Consider, too, the shelf space required for stocking the paper towel supply, as well as the time it takes employees to restock the dispensers and clean up and dispose of the clutter paper towels leave behind.
Currently, in terms of energy consumption, automatic hand dryers cost only about 7 cents per 200 uses with heat and only 4 cents per 200 uses without heat. Compare this number to the cost of using paper towels, and hand dryers can help hotels achieve significant yearly savings.
Hand Dryer Technology Has Improved
In the past, many people preferred paper towels to hand dryers because they found it quicker to use paper and—using plenty of paper towels—they could be sure their hands were thoroughly dry. However, the new generation of hand dryers dries up to three times faster than older models, and they can use as much as 80 percent less energy in the process. Heat levels may be adjustable, and today’s dryers operate more quietly than in prior years.
When it comes to conserving natural resources, replacing paper towels with hand dryers may at first appear to be simply trading off one set of carbon emissions for another. However, according to EPA estimates, producing a single ton of paper requires 7,000 gallons of water, 360 gallons of oil, 158 million BTUs of energy and as much as two to four tons of trees. By contrast, over its lifetime, one hand dryer will produce three tons less CO2 than the production of the paper towels it replaces.
In addition, when constructing or renovating a building to meet LEED standards, some hand dryer models can help qualify for LEED credits. Additionally, some hand dryers carry the GreenSpec-certification and are ADA-compliant to conform to regulations for public-access facilities.
Every year, the cold and flu season leaves some flu victims developing serious health complications. Doctors commonly recommend that people wash their hands repeatedly throughout the day, and particularly when they’ve been in public areas, to avoid contracting these illnesses. Door handles, seating and countertops, even the handles on faucets in restroom facilities can carry the viruses and bacteria that cause colds and the flu. However, frequent hand washing can mean exposure to yet another source of contamination, the damp clutter of used paper towels that you find in many public restrooms.
No Direct Contact with Unit
To help solve this problem, hospitality venues often seek alternatives such as “touch-free” hand dryers, soap dispensers, faucets, and even toilet paper dispensers, which eliminate the need to touch the surfaces where many other hands have been. With touch-free hand dryers, any movement under the nozzle triggers a flow of air to thoroughly dry hands without direct contact with the unit. For even further protection, some hand dryers offer anti-microbial technology to inhibit the growth of bacteria, mold and fungus, extending the dryer’s service life.
In any establishment, even the appearance of a lack of cleanliness may cause patrons to rethink visiting again. Often—sometimes unfairly—customers judge a property’s overall cleanliness based on the look of its restroom. A trashcan overflowing with paper towels may not present the image your business wants to convey and may leave patrons with a negative impression.
The truth is, touch-free hand dryers can help you keep your restrooms clean and clutter-free, and by working automatically, they can actually assist in preventing the spread of harmful viruses, bacteria and parasites.
Compared to the complexity of the kitchen, dining areas or common areas of a facility, hand dryers in the restroom may seem like a minor detail. However, they can go a long way to help reducing maintenance and energy costs while promoting a sanitary environment.
Dan Storto is President for Berkeley, Ill.-based World Dryer, a global manufacturer of hand dryers. He can be reached at dstorto@worlddryer.com.
