Whether you’re planning an intimate outdoor wedding or a large outdoor music festival, there’s one important question every event planner has to ask: How many portable restrooms do I need

Our portable restroom usage chart gives a basic breakdown of determining the number of portable restrooms needed at a special event. Please keep in mind that certain factors may skew this chart. Below is a list of questions to consider when determining your final numbers.

Will alcohol be served?

If alcohol is being served at your event, we recommend adding an additional 15-20% to the total number of portable restrooms needed for your event.

Are you serving food?

State regulations require that portable restrooms and hand washing facilities be setup in areas around but not immediately adjacent to food service areas. The quantity for the portable restrooms and hand washing facilities may be based on state, county or local regulations. Food prep and service areas may have special requirements; hand washing facilities for these areas can not be simple hand sanitizers due to the food handling. Contact your local health department for additional information on these requirements.

Are there any additional permanently built restrooms available on site?

Any available on-site or permanently built restrooms on the event property should be considered based upon the number of people these facilities are designed to accommodate.

How large is the event space?

If event space is a problem for a large quantity of portables, then perhaps an alternative to reducing the number of portables is an increase in the service/cleaning of the portables during the day of the event. If the units are serviced twice during each day of the event, you can cut the number required in half. If the portable restrooms are serviced three times in a day, you can cut it to a third. You may have to pay a premium for the additional services but when the choice is more parking for paying patrons or more portable toilets the additional business could be worth the expense.

It’s also important to note that our air conditioned restroom trailers can substitute for up to 30 portable restrooms. Consider a combination of the two. A few portables placed near the trailers allow for shorter lines, especially for those who may have an urgent need! A few portables placed strategically near parking areas are always appreciated as well.

Our air conditioned restroom trailers also make a great all-in-one package for intimate gatherings, such as a wedding or outdoor party.

Still have questions? We’re happy to help. Contact us today at 1-800-553-2213 and we can design a custom portable restroom plan that’s the right fit for your event’s needs.