Portable Toilet Rental for Events and Job Sites

Rental companies list several unit types. The right mix depends on whether you are hosting guests or supplying a work crew, how long you need the units, and whether water and power are nearby.

• Standard unit: a single stall with a holding tank, no flushing. This is the usual choice for construction sites and simple outdoor events.
• Flushing unit with sink: a step up often chosen for weddings and parties, with a flush and a place to wash hands.
• ADA-accessible unit: a larger unit type that rental companies list for wheelchair users. Ask the rental company for the exact size and features of the units they list.
• Restroom trailer: a trailer with two or more private rooms, running water, and climate control, often used for weddings and formal events.
• Hand-wash station: a stand-alone sink unit placed next to the toilets or near food areas.

For events open to the public, plan for accessible units. Section 213.2 of the 2010 ADA Standards published by the U.S. Access Board sets 5 percent of clustered single-user portable toilets as the accessible share for each cluster, and says accessible units are to be marked with the International Symbol of Accessibility. Units used only by construction workers on a construction site are exempt under section 203.2. Ask your event organizer or local officials what applies to your event.

Renting for a home project? If a bathroom remodel will leave your only toilet out of service, a single standard unit in the driveway can cover the gap.

Most rentals follow the same pattern: the company drops off the units, services them on a set schedule, and picks them up at the end. What is included varies by company, so compare quotes item by item.

For a restroom trailer, also ask whether it needs a power outlet or a water hookup on site, and how much level space the trailer and truck need.

For events: the Portable Sanitation Association International (PSAI) publishes a special event chart based on crowd size and hours. It assumes a 50/50 mix of men and women, about 200 uses per unit, and no pumping during the event. Some examples from the chart:

The chart gives minimums. Tell the rental company your guest count and hours, and ask whether your event needs more units, for example if it runs through meal times or you want shorter lines.

For construction sites: OSHA rule 29 CFR 1926.51 sets the minimum. A crew of 20 or fewer needs at least 1 toilet. A crew of 20 or more needs 1 toilet seat and 1 urinal per 40 workers, and a crew of 200 or more needs 1 toilet seat and 1 urinal per 50 workers. Where there is no sewer, chemical toilets are one of the options the rule allows.

Start with a clear order: the dates, the address, the number and type of units, and your guest count or crew size. Then ask two or more companies for a written quote so you can compare the same items.

Questions to ask:

• What does the quote include: delivery, pickup, cleaning visits, toilet paper, and hand sanitizer?
• How often will the units be serviced, and can you add visits if needed?
• What are the exact sizes and features of the ADA-accessible units you list?
• When will you drop off and pick up, and do I need to be on site?
• What is your policy for damage, a late pickup, or a hard-to-reach spot?
• Do you carry insurance, and can you send proof?

The FTC's home improvement guide gives advice that also fits rentals: get the agreement in writing with the company's name, address, and phone number, and be wary of pressure to decide on the spot. If units will sit on a street or in a public park, ask your city whether a permit is needed before the delivery date.

When you call through Swupi, you speak with an independent local rental company and agree on the units and timing with them directly. See how Swupi works.

A little planning makes delivery day go smoothly.

1. Pick the spot: choose firm, level ground that the service truck can reach. Ask the company how close the truck needs to get and how wide the path must be.
2. Think about guests: place units where people can find them easily, with a clear, level path for anyone using an accessible unit. Keep them a reasonable distance from food service, and add hand-wash stations nearby.
3. Light it: for evening events, ask whether units have lights or plan for outdoor lighting nearby.
4. Set the service schedule: many companies service standard units about once a week. For busy job sites or multi-day events, ask for extra visits in the quote.
5. Plan pickup: confirm the pickup date and make sure the path is clear so the truck can load the units.

On a construction job, place units away from heavy equipment traffic and check them after storms or high winds. If your project also includes plumbing work, see our plumbing guide.