Case Study:

The traditional units were:

• Difficult and unpleasant for guests to use
• Unsafe for custodial teams to service
• Contributing to plumbing blockages due to improper disposal
• Visually out of step with Disney’s high-end restroom design

The old sanitary waste receptacles created cross-contamination risks, odor issues, and unnecessary labor burdens in high-traffic areas across multiple parks and resorts. Disney needed a hygienic, modern alternative that worked with its premium design, respected guest dignity, and supported sustainable operations.

That’s where SaniPod™ commercial sanitary bins came in.

Touch-free, Stylish, Trusted

Following a comprehensive review, Disney’s management team selected the Pod™ Petite Auto as the exclusive sanitary disposal solution for all new restroom refurbishments and constructions across Walt Disney Parks & Resorts. The decision was swiftly formalised, with the Pod™ Petite Auto now specified in all architectural drawings, making it the only unit approved for installation in both new builds and refurbishments.

• Touch-free experience: No contact required thanks to motion-detecting infrared sensors
• Compact, ergonomic form: Easy for everyone to use, including those with limited mobility
• ADA compliant: Supporting accessibility across all facilities
• Design-led: Available in black or white, with optional custom wraps
• Proven performance: Engineered for reliability in high-traffic environments

The black Pod™ Petite Auto unit, paired with a brushed stainless-steel Pod Wrap custom-designed for Disney, was selected for most restrooms. This finish complements existing stainless-steel fixtures, contributing to a cohesive and seamless guest experience. In restrooms featuring lighter décor, the white unit was used to maintain visual consistency.

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts are premium-level environments with a high standard for cleanliness, appearance, and accessibility. In this setting, sanitary disposal is a reflection of the brand’s values.

Pod™ Petite Auto is designed to elevate the restroom experience:

• Zero-touch: Guests never need to interact with the unit physically, reducing the spread of germs.
• Odor control: The sealed lid and powder-fresh deodoriser keep the sanitary unit smelling fresh.
• Easy to use: The intuitive design and accessible height suit all users.
• Clean by design: Its sleek aesthetic enhances the overall look of restrooms.
• Encourages proper use: When a sanitary unit is dignified, women use it. As a result, you minimise improper disposal.

By providing a clean, modern, and reliable option, SaniPod™ helps prevent the flushing of tampons, pads and sanitary napkins, reducing stress on plumbing infrastructure and supporting environmental goals.

Walt Disney Parks & Resorts have prioritized sustainability across their operations, and Pod™ Petite Auto sanitary waste receptable fits right in.

From materials to maintenance, SaniPod™ is designed with sustainability in mind:

• Durability: Made from high-quality materials, each unit is built to last 10 to 15+ years, which reduces waste and long-term costs.
• Modular construction: Allows easy part replacement and extends product life.
• Low-energy sensors: Each battery cycle lasts over 100,000 activations, roughly two years of service in high-traffic areas.
• Battery indicator light: Alerts custodians when servicing is needed.
• Eco-friendly liners: Pod™ Petite’s liners are made from 70% post-consumer recycled material and use degradable plastic.

This sustainable design helps Walt Disney Parks & Resorts meet its environmental commitments without compromising hygiene, safety, or aesthetics.

For custodians, Pod™ Petite Auto brings a new level of simplicity and safety to restroom maintenance.

Before SaniPod™, Disney’s team had to service some sanitary bins up to five times daily due to odour issues and overflow. With Pod™ Petite Auto, most restrooms now require just one service per day, a dramatic improvement in efficiency.

At the heart of this change is SaniPod’s patented 3-step liner cartridge system, which delivers a hygienic, mess-free servicing process:

• Remove the continuous perforated liner
• Inspect safely via the clear film to identify any hazards
• Replace with a fresh, scented liner made from sustainable materials

There’s no direct contact with waste, no leaking bags, and no time wasted. The result? Lower labour costs, higher staff satisfaction, and safer work environments.

Disney first began rolling out Pod™ Petite Auto more than eight years ago. Today, these sanitary hygiene units continue to perform across some of the world’s busiest and most iconic resorts.

During a recent site visit, SaniPod’s Sales Director met with custodial and resort managers across Walt Disney Parks & Resort sites  in Orlando, Florida. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive; teams praised the reliability, ease of maintenance, and seamless integration into their restroom operations.

You’ll now find Pod™ Petite Auto sanitary disposal units installed across Disney’s premier parks resorts, including:

• Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
• Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
• Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

What began as a search for a better sanitary waste receptacle became a full transformation of how sanitary waste is handled across Walt Disney Parks & Resorts.

Thanks to Pod™ Petite Auto, Disney has:

• Improved guest hygiene and comfort
• Reduced plumbing issues
• Simplified and enhanced servicing
• Met sustainability goals
• Aligned design with brand expectations

It proves that even small changes, like upgrading a sanitary bin, can make a big difference when done smartly.

If you’re rethinking your washroom experience, SaniPod™ is here to help. Whether you manage a hotel, shopping centre, airport, or venue, our touch-free sanitary disposal units combine hygiene, safety, style, and sustainability in one elegant solution.

Contact our team to get started.