Portable Toilets
We call them port-a-potties, sani-johns or port-a-johns. No matter what we call them, portable toilets are an integral part of a smooth running construction site. The industry, worldwide, makes approximately $1.5 billion a year and it is estimated that 1,400,000 portable restrooms are in use around the globe.Codes
In this day and age of strict environmental and construction site codes, you must provide sanitary facilities for the job site workers. Check the Department of Labor's website for Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for requirements as well as your state's own website to find out what needs to be done to meet regulations. Whether the job is a home addition or a high rise building, government standards require that workers have access to adequate, clean, working facilities.
Sanitation
Portable toilet companies usually service a targeted geographic area and may have a couple hundred to thousands of portable toilet units. Units are rented for as long as they are needed on the job site. Along with their product, these companies also possess service vehicles that drop off the toilet, set it up, and clean it on a regular basis. They are usually serviced on a weekly basis, but sometimes it can be more frequent. According to the Portable Sanitation Association, a single toilet unit can sufficiently support 10 workers (working a single 40-hour shift) when cleaned on a weekly basis.
A good company should not only have a service truck come on a weekly basis, but also do the following:
- Pump or evacuate the waste from the toilet into the truck's holding tank.
- Recharge the portable toilet receptacle (if needed, some don't need power).
- Cleaning the interior of the portable toilet by scrubbing with brushes and towel drying.
- Restock toilet paper (soap and paper towels as well if your particular model includes a sink).
- Minor repairs.
Price
The majority of portable toilets are rentals. Price varies depending on where the construction site is. If building costs, permits and materials are more expensive in your area, the portable toilet will be more expensive as well. Estimates are free and can be done via phone or by filling out a form on the company's website. You will be asked for information concerning the job site, how many people will be working there, and how long the portable toilet will be needed. The company can also help you choose the type of portable toilet to rent (e.g., one with a sink versus one without) as there are more choices out there than you think.
In closing
So, you don't know of reputable company that rents port-a-potties? Maybe you're overwhelmed by the number of websites out there. Go to local building sites and do your own personal survey. Company names and their numbers are often visibly displayed on the side of the portable toilet. See which ones are in the best condition, see if there seems to be a company that is predominately used and call them. And remember, get at least 3 estimates from 3 different companies before you decide which company to go with.