Porta potties help things run smoothly, but how many do you actually need? Let’s do the math and get you one step closer to a great event. Read on to find out more!
What Are The Industry Numbers?
There are several general rules you may follow to help you figure out how many porta toilets you need. These aren’t fixed in stone, but they are a good place to start. Here’s a simple breakdown:
- For gatherings with fewer than 100 attendees, one porta potty is usually enough.
- For gatherings with 100 to 250 people, you’ll usually need one porta potty for every 50 guests.
- For gatherings with 250 to 500 people, plan on one unit for every 40 people.
- For large events (more than 500 people): Try to have one toilet for every 40 people, but you may need more units depending on how long the event lasts and how much alcohol is consumed.
These numbers are only a general guide; the length of the event, the amount of alcohol served, and the style of event will all change these percentages.
Other Things to Think About
Here are a few things you might still want to consider about when you get your porta potty numbers:
Places to wash your hands
These are quite important, especially for gatherings that are all about food. Many companies that rent out porta potties also rent out handwashing facilities. They’ll make your guests feel more at ease and clean, and they’re a simple method to improve your bathroom without too much trouble.
Units that meet ADA standards
If your event is open to the public, you need to have at least one unit that meets ADA standards. These toilets are made to be accessible to people with impairments, so everyone may use them.
Cleaning and Maintenance
If you are going to have an event that lasts more than one day, you will need to plan for ongoing maintenance. This makes sure that your toilets are always clean, stocked, and ready to use.
Most companies that rent out porta potties also offer cleaning services. Keep this in mind when making your budget.
Important Things to Remember
How long will your event last?
Your guests will need to use the bathroom more often the longer the celebration lasts. If you’re putting on a music festival that lasts all day, you’ll need more bathrooms than if you’re having a two-hour wedding. The length is important since your guests will need to take more breaks over a lengthier event. Knowing how long your event will last will help you plan for the bathroom, whether it’s a short afternoon get-together or an all-night party.
How Many People Are Going?
It’s clear that the number of people who come is a major deal. More people means that there are more people who require porta toilets.
But here’s the thing: not everyone goes to the restroom at the same time, so the ratio isn’t always 1:1. You won’t need a bathroom for every individual for a four-hour event with 100 people, for instance.
What kind of event is it?
A three-day celebration is really different from a wedding in a garden, right? The kind of event you’re having will affect how many people use the bathrooms.
For instance, a big outdoor event with a lot of food, drink, and dancing will have a lot more people going to the bathroom than a little wedding.
Are there permanent bathrooms close by?
You won’t need as many porta potties if your event is at a place that already has facilities, such a park, a venue, or a stadium.
But don’t think that these bathrooms will be enough. They could be far distant, broken, or not open during your event.
Will you be serving drinks?
If there is alcohol at your gathering, people will need to use the restroom more often.
People who drink alcohol have to go to the bathroom more often, thus it’s a good idea to add a few more bathrooms if alcohol is present.
How many men and women are there?
The mix of men and women among your guests also matters. In general, women have to go to the bathroom more often than males. This is something that event planners normally think about by giving ladies additional bathrooms. You might need to change the number of toilets to keep things even if most of your guests are women.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far ahead of time should I get porta potties for my event?
It’s best to schedule your porta potties at least two to three weeks ahead of time, especially for big gatherings. This makes sure that it is available and lets you make any changes that are needed.
Do I need to hire special portable toilets for a VIP area?
Yes, for VIP areas or big events, you could choose to rent nicer units with extra conveniences like toilets that flush, running water, and air conditioning to make the experience better for your guests.
How can I keep my porta potties clean during an event that lasts more than one day?
Most rental companies include packages for cleaning and maintenance. You may set up regular visits to clean the units, replace their supplies, and make sure they stay fresh and in good working order.
Get a Free Quote Today
Want a personalized quote based on your event or job site? Call us or request a quote online in less than 2 minutes. Canyon State Waste makes it easy, affordable, and hassle-free to rent a porta potty in Phoenix, AZ.
Call Today – 480-418-5541





