Portable toilets, or commonly known as Porta-Potties, are similar to toilets we use daily at our homes but the only difference is they are transportable. Due to their lightweight and efficiency, they are preferred in outdoor events such as concerts, fairs, camping facilities, construction sites, and wherever traditional restrooms are not accessible or nonefficient.

Keep reading to find out 5 new facts about portable toilets.

Flushed toilets were made way before portable toilets were invented

According to Smithsonian, the flushed toilet was invented in 1596 but wasn't used much until 1851. Where modern porta-potties were invented in the 1940s to increase efficiency in dock loading work.

For a 4 hour event, 1 porta-potty is enough for 50 people

The number of portable toilets needed in any event is dependant on many factors. Type of the event, number of people, alcohol and food consumption, the length of the event, women to men ratio are some of these factors.

If you are renting porta-potties for a construction site, there should be one portable toilet for 10 construction workers. But for special events, one for women and one for men is sufficient. Also, handicapped toilet options should be available at all events. For a 4 hour event, a general rule is to have one portable toilet for 50 people. And if there is alcohol consumption in the event, the number of portable toilets should increase 10-20%.

A portable toilet is cleaned once a week – and of course, it depends on the usage

The maintenance interval mostly depends on the usage rate. But commonly, a portable toilet is cleaned once a week. Cleaning properly and on time is important for our health and safety. If the toilets smell, that means the toilet is not maintained properly and the spread of the diseases becomes easier. Therefore, for better waste management, working with a certified and regulated company is the best way to maintain safe toilets. There are also regulations in some countries due to chemicals used in portable toilets for sanitation purposes. Thus, these hazardous wastes in the toilet tank should be disposed of carefully and according to the local regulations.

Portable toilets are safe during Covid-19

If they are cleaned properly, their structure allows less spread of Covid-19 which makes them safer than the common toilets we use. Besides the fact that many portable toilets are cleaned by regulated companies in strict time intervals, the chemicals used in the portable toilets kill all the bacteria and viruses including Covid-19 which makes portable toilets safer for people during this time. Portable toilets cannot be flushed and that makes them healthier than regular toilets. Not flushing prevents spreading the diseases to the air.