Porta Potty vs Portable Toilet vs Honey Bucket: What's the Difference?

Porta potty. Portable toilet. Porta john. Honey bucket. Port-a-loo. Blue room. Are these all the same thing? Mostly yes, but there are some subtle differences worth knowing - especially when you're trying to rent one and want to make sure you get what you're expecting.

Let's untangle the terminology.

Are They All the Same Thing?

For practical purposes, porta potty and portable toilet mean the same thing. Both refer to the familiar standalone outdoor restroom units used at construction sites, events, and anywhere else without permanent facilities.

The difference is mostly regional and brand-related, not functional.

Common Terms and Where They Come From

Porta Potty (or Porta-Potty)

The most common casual term in American English. It's derived from "portable potty" - a colloquial, slightly humorous name. This is what most people say in everyday conversation.

Portable Toilet

The more formal, industry-standard term. You'll see this in contracts, regulations, and business names. It sounds more professional, which is why rental companies often use it.

Porta John

Originally a brand name (PortaJohn) that became genericized, similar to how "Kleenex" means tissue. PortaJohn was one of the early portable toilet manufacturers, and the name stuck around.

Honey Bucket

Another brand name that became common usage. Honey Bucket is a major portable toilet company in the Pacific Northwest, and locals often use the name generically for any porta potty. The "honey" refers to (you guessed it) the waste inside - industry slang for sewage.

Port-a-Loo

More common in the UK and Australia. In Britain, "loo" is slang for toilet, so port-a-loo is their version of porta potty.

Blue Room

A humorous euphemism, referencing the classic blue color of most units. Construction workers sometimes use this term.

Johnny-on-the-Spot

Yet another brand name (Johnny On The Spot is a major rental company) that's used generically in some areas.

Do Any of These Terms Mean Something Different?

In casual usage, no. But if you want to get technical:

Actual Types of Portable Restrooms

Regardless of what you call them, there are distinct types of portable restrooms you can rent. This is where the real differences matter:

Standard Unit

The basic blue (or gray, or green) standalone box. Includes a toilet seat over a holding tank, toilet paper holder, and hand sanitizer. What most people picture when they hear "porta potty."

Cost: $125-200/month or $100-150/weekend

Deluxe/Enhanced Unit

Standard unit with upgrades like a hand wash sink, mirror, coat hook, or better ventilation. A step up in comfort.

Cost: $175-275/month

High-Rise Unit

Designed for construction sites, these can be lifted by crane to upper floors of buildings under construction. Same functionality as standard units but with lifting hardware.

Cost: $200-350/month

ADA-Compliant Unit

Larger unit with wheelchair accessibility features: wide door, grab bars, more floor space, lower threshold. Required for public events.

Cost: $175-300/month

Flushable Unit

Has a foot-pump or electric flush mechanism for a more bathroom-like experience. Requires more frequent servicing.

Cost: $250-400/month

Restroom Trailer

A completely different category. These are trailers with multiple stalls, running water, flushing toilets, climate control, and real bathroom fixtures. Used for weddings and upscale events.

Cost: $500-3,000+/weekend

What to Say When You Call to Rent

When contacting a rental company, you don't need to use perfect terminology. They'll understand any of these terms. But to get the right unit, specify:

• Number of units needed
• Duration (weekend, week, month)
• Purpose (construction, event, home renovation)
• Any special features (hand wash, ADA, flushable)
• Delivery location

Whether you ask for a "porta potty," "portable toilet," or "honey bucket," they'll know what you mean.

Regional Variations

Curious what people call them in different parts of the country and world?

• Northeast US: Portable toilet, porta potty, porta john
• Pacific Northwest: Honey bucket (brand influence)
• South: Porta potty, portable restroom
• Midwest: Johnny-on-the-spot, porta john
• UK: Portaloo, portable loo
• Australia: Portable toilet, dunny
• Canada: Portable toilet, porta potty

The Bottom Line

Porta potty, portable toilet, porta john, honey bucket - they all mean the same thing in everyday conversation: that blue (or green, or gray) box where you go when there's no indoor plumbing around.

The important distinctions are between types of units (standard vs. deluxe vs. restroom trailer), not what you call them. Use whatever term feels natural - rental companies hear them all.