Seattle unloading its high-tech johns

SEATTLE, July 15 (UPI) -- Seattle's high-tech, self-cleaning public johns are going the way of other unwanted items -- to an eBay auction.

Pat Miller of the city's Fleets and Facilities Department said that the city hopes to get someone to cart away the toilets and maybe get some money, not to "make a profit or a killing," the Seattle Times reported.

The five toilets were acquired in 2004 and installed in popular tourist areas like Pioneer Square and the Pike Place Market. The toilets had doors timed to open automatically, which failed to prevent their use for prostitution and other illicit activities.

This spring, the City Council voted to cancel the 10-year contract for the johns. They are to be closed down Aug. 1, with the new owners, the city hopes, removing them by the end of the month.

Andy Ryan, a spokesman for Seattle Public Utilities, said the city is still trying to figure out how to provide public conveniences.