Porta Potty Rental Tips for Events: The Complete Guide
Planning an outdoor event? Learn how many porta potties you need, placement tips, and mistakes to avoid when renting portable restrooms for your event.
Port Pottimer
7 min read • Updated December 2024
Planning an outdoor event? Whether it's a music festival, corporate gathering, family reunion, or community fair, portable restrooms are essential for guest comfort. Here's everything you need to know to get it right.
How Many Porta Potties Do You Need?
The golden rule for event planning:
Quick Formula
1 porta potty per 100-125 guests for a 4-hour event
Add 1 extra unit per 200 guests if serving alcohol
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
| Event Size | 4 Hours | 8 Hours | With Alcohol |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 guests | 1 unit | 2 units | 2 units |
| 100 guests | 2 units | 3 units | 3-4 units |
| 250 guests | 4 units | 6 units | 7-8 units |
| 500 guests | 7 units | 10 units | 12-14 units |
Use our free porta potty calculator to get an exact count for your event.
Porta Potty Placement Tips
Where you put your portable restrooms matters almost as much as how many you have.
Do:
- Place them on flat, solid ground - Avoid mud, slopes, or soft grass
- Keep them accessible - Within 150-200 feet of main event areas
- Create clusters - Groups of 2-4 units are easier to find than scattered singles
- Add lighting - Essential for evening events
- Include hand-washing stations - Place one for every 2-3 porta potties
- Consider traffic flow - Don't block walkways or emergency exits
Don't:
- Place near food service areas - Keep at least 50 feet away
- Hide them completely - Guests need to find them
- Put them upwind - Position downwind from main gathering areas
- Block truck access - Service vehicles need to reach them
Choosing the Right Type
Standard Units
Best for: Casual outdoor events, festivals, sports events
Cost: $125-195 (same rate for 1-7 days)
Deluxe Units with Hand Sanitizer
Best for: Corporate events, upscale gatherings
Cost: $150-225 (same rate for 1-7 days)
ADA-Accessible Units
Required by law for public events. Generally need 1 accessible unit per 20 standard units, minimum of 1.
Cost: $150-250 (same rate for 1-7 days)
Luxury Restroom Trailers
Best for: Weddings, VIP areas, high-end corporate events
Cost: $1,200-2,000 (same rate for 1-7 days)
5 Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not booking early enough
Peak season (May-October) fills up fast. Book 4-6 weeks ahead for best selection and prices. - Underestimating quantity
Long lines = unhappy guests. When in doubt, order one extra unit. - Forgetting hand-washing stations
Especially important post-COVID. Guests expect them now. - Skipping the site visit
Let the rental company assess your location for access and placement. - Not scheduling mid-event service
Events over 6 hours or with 200+ guests need mid-event cleaning.
Event Planning Checklist
Before You Book:
- ☐ Calculate number of units needed
- ☐ Determine placement locations
- ☐ Check ADA requirements
- ☐ Get 3+ quotes from providers
- ☐ Ask about delivery/pickup times
- ☐ Confirm servicing schedule
- ☐ Verify insurance/damage policies
- ☐ Book hand-washing stations
What to Budget
For a typical 100-person, 4-hour event:
- 1-2 deluxe units: $150-450
- 1 hand-washing station: $125-200
- Delivery/pickup: Often included
- Total: $275-650
For detailed pricing, check our complete porta potty cost guide.
The Bottom Line
The key to porta potty success at your event: plan early, order enough, and place them strategically. Your guests won't remember the restrooms if they're done right—but they'll definitely remember if they're not.
Event Planning Supplies
Restroom Directional Signs with Arrow (4 Pack)
Weather-resistant directional signs to guide guests to portable restroom locations. Acrylic, 9x3 inches.
28 Inch Traffic Safety Cones (6 Pack)
Reflective safety cones for marking restroom areas and directing traffic. PVC with dual reflective collars.
SOLPEX Solar Pathway Lights (12 Pack)
Solar-powered LED lights to illuminate pathways to portable restrooms at night. Stainless steel, waterproof.
Yellow Caution Tape (1000 ft Roll)
Bright yellow caution tape for marking off areas and guiding foot traffic. 3 inches wide, non-adhesive.
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