Types of Units
In the portable sanitation industry, there are many different types of units. They range from portable toilets and hand wash stations to restroom trailers and shower trailers, as well as other products. An overview of these products is included below and highlights their differing uses and features.
Commonly Available Equipment
The following products are commonly available for rent from portable restroom operators (PROs).
Portable Restroom Units
Standard portable restrooms are available from portable restroom providers all over the world. Although their features may vary somewhat from continent to continent, the most common portable restrooms do not flush. Instead, waste is held and odor is neutralized inside a tank. These units support about 200 uses before they need to be cleaned. The portable restroom unit itself usually contains, at a minimum, both a seat with a lid and a urinal, toilet paper, a door with a privacy lock, and a coat hook. Units are typically vented to minimize odors.
Portable Restroom Units with Sinks
Most portable restroom providers offer upgraded versions of the basic portable toilet that include additional features for an increased price. An example of an upgraded unit is one that offers an in-unit sink, soap dispenser and hand drying option (like a paper towel dispenser) to accompany a standard holding tank, urinal and toilet paper dispenser. Sometimes, in lieu of a sink, the units offer a hand sanitizer station instead. By selecting a portable restroom with a built-in sink or sanitizer option, the need to consider separate hand-cleaning options is eliminated.
Flushing Portable Restroom Units
Flushable units are a sensible solution to satisfy slightly more upscale needs. Featuring a closed holding tank that is accessed by a foot-pedal flushing system, these restrooms allow for an added level of comfort. Flush-capable products often feature added interior space, mirrors, in-unit sinks, soap dispensers, and hand drying options.
Hand Wash Stations
If choosing to forgo a portable restroom with a built-in sink or hand sanitizer pump, portable hand washing stations are often an appreciated or legally required amenity.
Hand washing stations are commonly available with one, two, or four sinks per unit. Each sink provides a foot-pedal activated faucet, soap dispenser, and hand drying option. Typically placed outside and near the portable restroom units, these stations reassure event guests that proper sanitation is a priority. They also assist event planners in complying with state or local laws regarding equipment for work sites or outdoor food preparation areas.
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The following products are designed to meet the unique needs of certain individuals.
Wheelchair-Accessible & ADA-Compliant Units
Similar to a standard unit, these restrooms typically provide a non-flushing holding tank, urinal, and toilet paper dispenser. They offer additional square footage for wheelchair accessibility or other needs and also feature handrails on three of the four walls. Some events are required to provide ADA-compliant units to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations for any guests with disabilities. In other cases, wheelchair-accessible units are the right answer because they are smaller than ADA-compliant restrooms while still providing additional room for parents with children or other special needs.
Units with Changing Stations
For events where families with small children will be in attendance, baby changing stations are a practical feature to offer in some of your portable restroom units. The newest units coming to market offer changing tables that can accommodate adults with special needs.
For the adults, these units are usually offered with the same equipment options found in any portable restroom. They also feature extra room and a baby changing station affixed to one of the interior walls. An example a unit that contains a flushing toilet, hand sanitizer, hand wash sink, and baby changing station.
Specialty Units
Some units are designed with a specific audience or theme in mind, often with alterations to the look and features of the unit to accommodate a particular group. For example, some providers carry child-sized portable restrooms, which have shorter exteriors and lowered accommodations, sometimes with a step stool below the toilet seat. Others offer pink portable restrooms that are geared toward women and, often, part of the proceeds of the rental of these units are donated to breast cancer charities.
These units offer extra perks such as purse hooks, floral air fresheners, and in-unit mirrors that are added with women in mind. Ask your portable restroom provider to see what specialty units may be available.
Luxury Options
The following products are the most high-end portable sanitation units in the industry.
Restroom Trailers
In contrast to standard portable restroom units, restroom trailers feature multiple individual stalls and sinks, with the potential for a separate urinal area within as well. With amenities that could include in-unit air conditioning, in-unit lighting, and a running water hookup, restroom trailers provide the comfort of an indoor restroom when none are available. Luxury versions are most frequently used at outdoor weddings and other outdoor events with VIP guests, and they also have been used to provide an upscale option during remodels.
With various interior design elements, from granite countertops and custom cabinetry to high-end flooring and light fixtures, these trailers are very different from standard portable restroom units. At the other end of the spectrum, some restroom trailers are outfitted with more rugged amenities and placed on job sites to ensure workers have a warm place to take care of nature’s call and to wash their hands, regardless of the weather.
Shower & Laundry Trailers
When disaster strikes or a lot of people are a long way from home, specialty trailers that provide showers, laundry facilities, or both can save the day.
While the interior of the trailer may differ by portable restroom provider, these units each typically provide multiple shower stalls featuring hot water and cold water options. Some may offer a communal area with sinks, mirrors, and cabinetry, while others may be split with a portable toilet option in the same trailer. These portable showers are rented for job sites, outdoor sporting events, overnight festivals, and more.
Laundry trailers are often used during disaster recovery, at large group campsites and remote job sites.
With such a wide range of options, it is possible to find the ideal type of portable sanitation equipment, no matter the need or event!