Renting portable toilets, often referred to as “porta potties,” is a practical option for outdoor events or construction sites where traditional restroom facilities are not available. You’ll also frequently see them at parks, playgrounds and ballfields. Here is everything you need to know about porta potty rentals!
There are a number of factors to keep in mind when renting portable toilets, including the size and scale of the event or project, the maintenance services provided by the rental company, the costs involved and local regulations.
Planning Your Portable Toilet Rental
To identify how many portable toilets you’ll need, guidelines suggest having at least one porta potty per 50 guests for a four-hour event. For every additional four hours, add one more toilet per 50 guests.
If alcohol is served, increase the number of units by 10-20 percent. You’ll also need additional units if you’re hosting a multi-day event and aren’t contracting overnight cleaning services.
Choosing Units for Your Location
Portable toilets have come a long way over the years. There are many choices available depending upon your needs, your preferences and your budget. Here are some of the models you can choose from:
Standard Units
These are the units you typically see at public events and job sites. With an exterior dimension of 12 square feet, they tend to be the least-expensive choice and usually feature a toilet, a urinal and hand sanitizer. Upgraded models may include a sink.
Accessible Units
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires one of every 20 portable toilets in each location to be accessible, with ground-level access, a large door and adequate maneuvering space to accommodate a wheelchair, toilet paper and horizontal grab bars within reach. These units typically provide 25 square feet of space.
Family Units
These porta potties, ideal for family-friendly events such as reunions and school fairs, feature a changing station and are a larger size comparable to an accessible unit.
Deluxe Units
An upgrade for special events such as weddings, deluxe units feature flushable toilets with a holding tank, so no water hook-up is required. They usually include a sink, soap dispenser, paper towels and a mirror. Typical exterior size is about 15 square feet.
In addition to toilet units, you can rent stand-alone handwashing stations with paper towels, soap and water so people who want to just wash their hands don’t have to occupy a restroom
Finding a Porta Potty Rental Company
Select a rental company with a strong reputation and positive reviews. This ensures reliability and quality service. In addition, the types of porta potty units the company offers and the costs is another factor to consider. Rental costs can range from $75 to $2,500 a day, depending upon the unit type. You’ll also want to know if the company can handle the size and type of event or workplace you need it for, as well as their terms for delivery, setup and pickup.
Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential to keep the portable toilets hygienic and functioning. Ask the rental company about their service schedule and what it entails, particularly if you’re renting for longer-term use, such as at a job site. Maintenance should include emptying the tanks, refilling toilet paper, deodorizing and repairing any damage. The company should provide a contact number for emergency maintenance as well.
Make sure the contract clearly states all services to be provided and the time and date the portable restrooms will be removed. Understand your responsibilities in ensuring the units are in the agreed-upon condition at time of pick-up to avoid extra charges.
To learn more about renting porta potties, you can contact Sonlight Services, a provider in Berks County, PA.