Anyone who has organized a successful event knows that you need two things:
- A great concept
- Plenty of bathrooms
We’re going to focus on number two (pun intended). Specifically, how to rent a porta potty.
You might be wondering: “What type do I need? How many do I need? Who do I call?” We’ve been there, which is why we answer your questions in our beginner’s guide to porta potty rentals below.
First, we run through the simple process of renting a porta potty. Then, we dive into the details – porta potty uses, types, placement, and more. Some topics, such as rental costs, require more attention, so we cover the basics here and link to our additional resources (below) for further reading.
Recommended Reading:
- The different types of portable toilets you can rent
- How many porta potty units you should rent
- How much porta potty rentals cost
- Porta potty placement tips
How to Rent a Porta Potty (Step-By-Step)
- Make a List of Your Event’s DetailsPorta potty companies will need a few pieces of information in order to provide you with an accurate quote. Here’s what we recommend you have ready:
- The event type, location, date, and time.
- Number of guests.
- Rental duration, including unit delivery and pickup times.
- The types of porta potties you will need, as well as how many you will want to rent.
- How frequently you will need the units cleaned (daily, weekly, etc.).
- Find a Few Companies in Your AreaWe make this step very easy. We found every porta potty company in the country, organized them by city and state, and listed their information on this website. Head over to our rental locations page to select your area. From there, browse locations in cities near you. You’ll even be able to see which types of portable toilets and restroom trailers each company offers.
- Request QuotesProvide each company with your event details and ask for a price quote. This is also a great time to ask any questions you may have. For example, how often do they plan to clean the porta potties? Do they guarantee on-time delivery and pickup? Do they offer any special rates or promotions?
- Choose a Rental CompanyHave a few quotes to choose from? You’re now ready to make a decision!Tip: Don’t just focus on price. Consider product quality, customer service (in case something goes wrong), and online reviews.
- Sign the Contract and Set the ScheduleEach company has its own rental process. However, most are pretty similar. First, you’ll need to sign the rental agreement. In some cases this will include a deposit. Next, you’ll need to finalize the schedule. You’ll want to know the event location, placement of units, and the dates and times of delivery, cleanings, and pickup.
- CampgroundsNature calls, including when you’re exploring nature!
- Community GatheringsEverything from outdoor church events to block parties.
- ConcertsOne of the most common porta potty uses due to large crowd sizes
- Construction SitesEvery “office” should have a bathroom. In fact, it’s the law!
- Farmers’ MarketsDon’t forget about vendors working long hours!
- Food FestivalsThe mac and cheese doesn’t always settle well.
- Home Renovation (for workers)Workers will use a porta potty or your home bathroom; you decide.
- House PartiesEspecially valuable during large backyard gatherings.
- Local FairsDeep-fried twinkies and corn dogs. Need we say more?
- Music FestivalsNot just for guests. Consider the musicians, their crews, and event staff.
- Outdoor FundraisersDon’t skimp on your guests’ needs, even if you’re trying to raise money for a good cause.
- ParadesBusinesses don’t appreciate being used as public restrooms when thousands line the streets.
- Rest StopsRest stops often utilize restroom trailers as an affordable alternative to building permanent bathrooms.
- Sporting EventsPrimarily for outdoor sporting events (e.g., horse racing), as well as in parking lots for tailgaters.
- Temporary Emergency Relief SitesDisaster relief crews often work out of modular offices, and most do not offer bathrooms.
- WeddingsDon’t worry about smell or appearance, because restroom trailers are as luxurious as your big day!
- Budget
- Number of people
- Expectations
- StandardYour run-of-the-mill single porta potty. They do not flush or offer many extras, but they can be rented in large quantities for low prices.
- Deluxe FlushableImagine a standard porta potty with a flushable toilet. They usually include a few extras, such as a sink or hand sanitizer dispenser.
- Construction (High Rise, Crane Hook, or Rollable)High-rise, also know as rollable porta potties, are built on wheels so they can be moved around worksites. Crane hook porta potties look like standard units, but have metal hooks that allow cranes to lift them into buildings.
- Towable (Trailer Mounted)On the go? Try a towable porta potty, which is a single unit mounted securely on a trailer. It is lightweight and easy to tow.
- Portable Bathroom TrailerAlso known as a luxury restroom trailer, this is the highest quality portable bathroom on the market. It comes in single- or multi-unit model with flushable toilets, lighting, running water, and more.
- Wheelchair Accessible / ADA CompliantA roomier porta potty serving individuals in wheelchairs. Additional support includes handrails and anti-slip flooring.
- Green (Environmentally Friendly)You can find environmentally-friendly porta potties in various models and sizes. They use eco-friendly chemicals and produce little waste. Solar-powered units provide additional features.
- SolarSolar porta potties offer the luxuries of bathroom trailers in smaller units. They convert sunlight to energy, which powers flushable toilets, running water, ventilation, and more.
- Baby-Changing StationsThese can either be changing tables located within a standard porta potty, or an enclosed unit strictly for parents (toilet not included). While the former is more common, the latter is a cleaner option that parents love.
- Portable Handwashing StationsHandwashing stations are mobile sinks placed near portable bathrooms. They have built-in water tanks, so you don’t need a water source.
- Hand Sanitizer DispensersA less expensive option is to rent hand sanitizer stations. They’re cheaper, though they don’t offer the same peace of mind.
- Paper towelsAsk your local rental company about options. They can be placed inside units or outside near handwashing stations.
- MirrorsMirrors are typically mounted inside of porta potties. However, you may find mirrors on group handwashing stations as well.
- Heating and Air ConditioningIf you’re interested in heating and A/C, you will likely need to rent a luxury restroom trailer. That’s because most manufacturers do not include them on standard units. Check local companies for options.
- ElectricityYou have two options for electric porta potties: solar powered units and units with electric hookups. Some companies require renters to provide the electric hookups, but the air conditioning, lighting, and additional benefits are worth it.
- Put your porta potties in multiple locations.
- Place them off to the side of the most important areas of your event.
- Always stick to solid ground; avoid dirt or otherwise soft ground.
- Make sure they are accessible for the porta potty delivery vehicles.
- Stick to secured areas to avoid have units stolen, damaged, or destroyed.
- Your rental company’s servicing team arrives at your location, parking within 25 feet of the units.
- The team pumps the waste from each unit using a vacuum hose.
- Next, they refill each unit with a deodorizing product (the blue liquid!).
- The staff then hand scrubs the entire inside of each unit – flooring, walls, and seats. This disinfects the entire porta potty.
- Finally, they restock each unit with toilet paper and extras, including soap, hand sanitizer, and paper towels.
- Type of portable bathroom
- Rental duration
- Delivery distance
- Number of cleanings
- Extra amenities