Key Takeaways
The main subject is public urination in the Netherlands (Europe), often called “wildplassen,” and how it can be treated under local rules.
Being hidden does not always mean being private. A back lane, doorway, or service area can still count as public space.
Rules can change by city. Many places use an APV for public order, so one town may fine while another may not, especially outside the built-up area.
A small act can leave a big trace. Smell and hygiene are not just social issues; they have simple chemistry behind them.
Story & Details
A back-of-building moment
In December 2025, a small choice appeared in a quiet service lane behind an office. The spot looked sheltered. The wall looked like cover. The idea sounded simple: step out of sight and be quick.
Yet the word that matters is not “hidden.” The word that matters is “public.” A place can feel unseen and still be public space: a passageway, a doorway, a shared back lot, a service corridor, a spot that others can enter or see.
Where the rule often sits: the APV
Across the Netherlands (Europe), many cities place everyday public-order rules in an APV. That is where public urination is often named and banned. The same act can feel minor, but the rule can still be clear.
That is also why the question can apply to an anonymous city in the Netherlands (Europe). The pattern is common, even if the exact wording and enforcement can differ from one municipality to another.
Built-up area versus outside it
A key idea is the built-up area. In many places, enforcement is strongest where streets are close, people pass by, and the smell lingers near homes and shops. Outside the built-up area, the legal picture can change, depending on local rules.
A short Dutch mini-lesson
A practical set of words can help when reading signs, rules, or a fine notice:
- wildplassen
Word parts: wild = wild, plassen = to pee.
Use and tone: everyday, direct, often used in warnings, news, and municipal texts. - Algemene Plaatselijke Verordening
Word parts: algemene = general, plaatselijke = local, verordening = regulation.
Use and tone: formal, used in official texts and city websites. Often shortened to APV. - bebouwde kom
Word parts: bebouwde = built, kom = bowl/area.
Use and tone: common in traffic and local rules. It points to the town’s built-up zone.
A helpful simple sentence shape, often seen in public messaging, is:
“Wildplassen is verboden.”
Word parts: wildplassen = public urination, is = is, verboden = forbidden.
Use and tone: short, official, clear.
A small science lesson: why the smell stays
Urine starts with urea. Then bacteria can break urea down into ammonia. Ammonia has a sharp smell, and it can cling to rough surfaces like brick, concrete, and grout. Cold air can keep the smell close to the ground, and rain can spread it along the wall. That is why a “quick” moment in a back lane can turn into a long-lasting odor problem.
Workplace setting without making it the whole story
The scene sat near an office linked to a Dutch temporary employment agency. The setting matters only in this way: office back areas are shared, walked through, and maintained. That makes them feel private, but function public.
Conclusions
The lesson is simple. In the Netherlands (Europe), public urination can be treated as “wildplassen,” and local rules often decide how it is handled. A hidden corner can still count as public space. The risk is not only embarrassment; it can be a real fine, and the smell can last longer than the moment.
Selected References
[1] https://www.politie.nl/informatie/wat-is-wildplassen-en-welke-boete-staat-ervoor.html
[2] https://ondernemersplein.overheid.nl/wetten-en-regels/algemene-plaatselijke-verordening-apv/
[3] https://www.om.nl/onderwerpen/boetebase
[4] https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/straffen-en-maatregelen/vraag-en-antwoord/hoe-hoog-zijn-de-boetes-in-nederland
[5] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AE9PrsoPDZo
Appendix
Algemene Plaatselijke Verordening (APV). A local regulation made by a municipality, used for public order and safety rules that apply within that municipality.
Ammonia. A sharp-smelling chemical that can form when bacteria break down urea, making odor cling to surfaces and linger.
Bebouwde kom. The built-up area of a town or city, often used in traffic and local enforcement to mark where dense public space begins.
Boetebase. A public lookup tool linked to the public prosecution service, used to find current fine amounts for common minor offenses.
Trespass. Entering or staying where access is restricted, which can be a separate issue from public urination when the area is clearly not open to the public.
Urea. A natural waste product in urine that can be converted by bacteria into ammonia, contributing to persistent odor.
Wildplassen. A common Dutch word for urinating in public in a place not meant for it, often used in warnings, municipal rules, and police guidance.
My Diary - Leonardo Cardillo 