Portable toilets are a necessary facility at any major outdoor event or construction site. They keep attendees and staff healthy and help site managers stay in compliance.
But planning an event or construction project without knowing where to start when it comes to acquiring or renting portable toilets can be a daunting task!
In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know to ensure your event or job site has the right restroom facilities when you need them most.
What is a Portable Toilet?
A portable toilet – also commonly referred to as a porta-potty or porta-john, or sometimes portable bathroom – is a contained and movable sanitation unit that provides a temporary solution for disposal of human waste. Portable toilets are commonly used at construction sites, outdoor events and weddings, and other locations where permanent restroom facilities, running water or plumbing are not available.
With the basics out of the way, let’s dive into some must-know FAQs about portable toilets.
Is a Portable Bathroom The Same Thing as a Portable Toilet?
While the spirit of the two terms are the same, they have some distinct differences. A portable toilet refers to a single unit consisting of a toilet and waste holding tank, while a portable bathroom may be made up of multiple features beyond the toilet like a mirror, sink, soap dispenser and even a shower.
Portable toilets are more commonly used for minimal, short term use and easy transport, whereas portable bathrooms may be used for more luxury or longer term events like weddings or remote work sites.
Portable Toilet Rental Cost
Most people who are in need of a portable toilet need one or more in a limited-use capacity (i.e., only for a specific purpose or set amount of time), so they choose to rent versus buy. The cost to rent a portable toilet can vary widely based on geographic location, market conditions, duration of project or event, and other factors.
Here are some general ranges of what you can expect to pay to rent a portable toilet based on type:
Basic Portable Toilet:
- Daily Rental: $75 to $100
- Weekly Rental: $150 to $300
- Monthly Rental: $250 to $500
Enhanced Portable Toilet (with sink, hand sanitizer, etc.):
- Daily Rental: $100 to $150
- Weekly Rental: $200 to $400
- Monthly Rental: $400 to $700
Luxury or VIP Portable Toilet (with flushing mechanism, interior lighting, etc.):
- Daily Rental: $150 to $300
- Weekly Rental: $400 to $700
- Monthly Rental: $700 to $1,500
Additional costs might include services like drop-off, maintenance and pick-up. Check with your site services partner to get a specific quote for your needs.
How Much Does a Portable Toilet Cost to Buy?
While it’s typically more cost-effective to rent a portable toilet, some people may choose to purchase one or more for their needs. Some organizations, for example, might run frequent events so it makes more economic sense to buy a portable toilet instead of renting.
Here’s a breakdown of cost ranges of a portable toilet depending on type:
Basic Portable Toilet:
- Cost: $700 to $1,500
- These units typically include a toilet seat, urinal, and a waste holding tank.
Enhanced Portable Toilet:
- Cost: $1,500 to $3,000
- These units come with additional amenities such as a built-in hand sanitizer dispenser, small sink, and improved ventilation.
Luxury or VIP Portable Toilet:
- Cost: $3,000 to $5,000 or more
- These units offer advanced features like flushing toilets, running water sinks, mirrors, interior lighting, and sometimes even air conditioning.
Consider that purchasing a portable toilet comes with ongoing maintenance and cleaning costs, as well as added service costs for waste removal.
How Many Portable Toilets Do I Need For an Event?
Event planning isn’t easy. With so many moving parts, it’s hard to lock down the details and secure the rentals and services you need for a smooth event.
The number of portable toilets you will need for an event depends on several factors:
- number of attendees
- duration of the event
- whether alcohol will be served
Here is a general estimation to help determine the appropriate number of units.
For a 6-hour outdoor wedding with 200 guests and alcohol being served:
- Base number for 200 guests for 4 hours: 5 units
- Increase for 2 additional hours: +2 units (10-20% per hour)
- Increase for alcohol: +1 unit (15-20% increase)
- Total: 8 units
Make sure to include at least one ADA-compliant unit for every 10 standard units. Work with your event planning or site services partner to determine the right amount of portable toilets specific to your event needs.
Site Services USA Portable Toilet Rental
Here at Site Services USA, we are committed to providing you with top-notch facilities for your event, construction project, or any other site needs. We’re your partner in essential site rentals including portable toilets, hand wash stations, dumpsters and more.
By partnering with an experienced and reputable company and maintaining clear communication throughout the project, you’ll mitigate risks, adhere to safety standards, and maintain cost-efficiency while delivering quality results within scheduled timelines. Interested in renting a portable toilet? Reach out to us today to get a free quote.