Portable Toilet for an Outdoor Event

How to Choose a Portable Toilet for an Outdoor Event

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When you’re hosting an outdoor event, you want it to go off without a hitch. The last thing you need is a situation where guests are waiting in long lines for bathrooms – or you don’t have adequately stocked bathrooms. That’s why choosing the best sanitary restrooms for your next event should be your top priority.

Read on to learn how to choose a portable toilet for an outdoor event!

Understand the Event’s Purpose

The purpose of your event is one of the primary factors that will impact the type of portable toilet you choose. For instance, you may be hosting a wedding or family reunion that attracts 100 guests. On the other hand, perhaps you are hosting a multi-day music or arts festival that attracts thousands of people.

For events where efficiency is most important, you may only need standard portable toilets. These units are appropriate for casual events, like festivals, and are modestly sized. They’ll have vents to help with fresh air circulation and hand sanitizer for guests.

For any type of event, you can opt for handwashing stations. These can sit outside a cluster of portable toilet units to encourage cleanliness.

Alternatively, you can upgrade to more deluxe units with working sinks. Functional sinks with paper towels may be the better choice for longer events.

Consider the Type of Portable Toilet

Not all portable toilets are alike. When you’re considering what to get for your event, choose a rental company with a range of options. Even better, visit the company so you can see these options firsthand.

Standard units are serviceable solutions for large events. But you may need to raise the bar for some outdoor events where guests may have higher expectations for service.

More high-end events demand luxury restrooms or a restroom trailer. Guests at fancier affairs will appreciate more spacious bathroom accommodations where they can enjoy climate-controlled environments. Especially on hot summer days, cooler bathroom stations with better amenities will be a hit.

A restroom trailer can be a nice choice when you want an enclosed space with several stalls. You can upgrade this type of unit by going with luxury restrooms. These are excellent for weddings or events where guests may need a private space to touch up hair and makeup.

Luxury trailers offer climate-controlled comfort and extra space for changing clothes. They may have larger vanities, better lighting, and decorative flourishes that feel like regular bathrooms. For guests who see your event as a vacation, it’s worth it to go above and beyond.

Factor in the Headcount

Are you hosting a family reunion with 100 guests or a multi-day event with thousands of attendees? Your event’s headcount will impact how many sanitary restrooms you’ll need to reserve. Before you start shopping for toilet rentals, determine how many people will be at your event.

As a general rule of thumb, plan on having one portable toilet available per 50 guests. Depending on the type of event, however, you may want to increase your toilet count. Doing this may cost more, but it can lead to a more successful experience.

For instance, for a fancier affair, such as a wedding or VIP event, you may want one toilet per 25 guests. In these instances, you also may want to upgrade from standard units to luxury restrooms. You’ll reduce traffic jams and give guests a more comfortable retreat for their bathroom breaks.

At events where the beverages are flowing, you can count on more people seeking restrooms. Likewise, longer events mean that there’s a better chance you’ll have guests choosing to hit the portable toilets. When in doubt, it’s always better to err on the side of having a few extra stalls.

Look at Maintenance Needs

It’s wise to consider what kind of services you will get with your portable toilets before signing a contract. For example, will the company handle delivery?

You don’t want to hire a company that puts toilets at your event without asking you where they should go. And you want to be sure that the company will come to pick up the toilets on time once the event is over.

Additionally, ensure that your toilets will be maintained during the event. Some toilets will need to be emptied and sanitized, especially at events with lots of traffic. You’ll also want to confirm they are stocked with enough toilet paper and soap.

Further, be sure that there is an accessible contact person in case something comes up. Maybe you underestimated the number of toilets needed and want to boost your supply. Or maybe the door latches get stuck.

You want to know that you can get ahold of the rental company. And you want to be confident that they can come up with a solution so your event doesn’t suffer.

Examine Your Budget

Finally, don’t forget to keep your budget in mind. You may find it worthwhile to spring for a luxury trailer when you’re hosting a fancy event. But if your budget is tight, you may want to make other plans.

Know the price points for standard units versus those with mirrors and other key upgrades. Know what an ADA-accessible unit will cost. And factor in other costs that may be less obvious, like transportation or cleaning fees.

Ask about discounts for renting a set number of toilets. You may also be able to score discounts for referring other businesses to the rental company.

Know that you can enhance the bathroom experience with some of your own efforts, as well. Decorations, air fresheners, and clear signage will help guests feel welcome regardless of how lavish the restrooms are.

Find the Right Portable Toilets for Your Outdoor Event

An outdoor event can be an exciting time for friends and family to gather in the fresh air. Be sure that everyone’s comfortable by choosing enough event restrooms and placing them in a logical space. Understand what kind of ongoing maintenance you’ll get for your investment, and choose the right type of portable toilet for your needs.

J Bar Enterprises has been providing customers with sanitary restroom solutions since 2008. We prioritize customer service and will ensure that you have what you need so your event runs smoothly. Contact us today for help!

Savanna Gregg
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