How Often Are Porta Potties Cleaned? Servicing Schedule Explained

One of the most common questions from first-time renters: "How often do they clean these things?" It's a fair question. Nobody wants to use a porta potty that hasn't been serviced in weeks. Fortunately, the industry has this down to a science.

Let me explain how porta potty servicing works, what's included, and how often you should expect it based on your situation.

The Standard Servicing Schedule

For most rentals, once per week is the industry standard. This applies to:

• Construction sites with 10 or fewer workers
• Home renovation projects
• Long-term residential rentals
• Low-traffic commercial locations

Weekly service keeps the unit hygienic and functional for light to moderate use. The service technician typically comes on the same day each week, so you can plan around it.

What's Included in a Service Visit?

When the service truck arrives, here's what happens:

The whole process takes about 10-15 minutes per unit. For units with hand wash stations, the fresh water tank is also refilled.

When You Need More Frequent Service

Weekly isn't always enough. Here's when to request more frequent servicing:

OSHA Requirements for Construction Sites

If you're running a construction site, OSHA has specific rules:

• At least one toilet per 20 workers
• Facilities must be "maintained in a sanitary condition"
• Toilet paper must be provided
• Hand washing facilities must be available

While OSHA doesn't specify exact service intervals, weekly servicing for every 10 workers is the industry standard to meet the "sanitary condition" requirement. If your site is inspected and units are overflowing or unsanitary, you could face fines.

Servicing for Events

Events are different from ongoing rentals. For a single-day event:

• Delivered clean: Units arrive freshly serviced
• No service needed during: For events under 6-8 hours with adequate units
• Pickup: Units are collected and emptied after the event

For multi-day events or festivals:

• Daily service: Required for festivals with continuous use
• Mid-day service: For very high-traffic situations
• On-site attendant: Some events station someone to monitor and maintain units

Signs You Need More Frequent Service

How do you know if your current service schedule isn't enough?

If you notice these signs, call your rental company to add a mid-week service or upgrade to twice-weekly.

What Does Extra Servicing Cost?

Additional service visits typically cost:

• Standard service visit: $50 - $100 each
• Twice weekly upgrade: Usually 50-75% more than weekly
• Emergency service: $75 - $150 (often same-day available)

It's usually cheaper to schedule regular twice-weekly service than to call for emergency visits. If you think you might need more service, discuss it upfront when ordering.

Can You Service It Yourself?

Short answer: no, not really. Here's why:

• Waste disposal: You can't legally dump human waste just anywhere - it requires proper disposal at a treatment facility
• Equipment: The vacuum trucks cost hundreds of thousands of dollars
• Chemicals: The deodorizer requires proper handling
• Regulations: Many areas require licensed waste haulers

What you can do between services:

• Add extra toilet paper (store in a waterproof container)
• Refill hand sanitizer
• Add air fresheners
• Wipe down surfaces with disinfecting wipes

Tips for Scheduling Service

A few things to keep in mind:

• Pick a consistent day: Service trucks follow routes. Choosing their normal day for your area may save money.
• Ensure access: The truck needs to get within about 100 feet of the unit. Don't block it with vehicles or equipment.
• Communicate changes: If your site access changes, let the company know so they don't miss you.
• Request specific times: Some companies can accommodate morning-only or afternoon-only if you need the unit accessible at certain hours.