Imagine hosting the perfect outdoor event—whether it’s a wedding, family reunion, or concert—where every detail is meticulously planned to create an unforgettable experience. But as guests start to enjoy the festivities, the mood quickly shifts as they encounter long lines and discomfort due to an insufficient number of portable toilets. Instead of focusing on the celebration, your guests are left frustrated, and the event’s charm is overshadowed by this easily preventable issue. No one wants to attend an event where there aren’t enough portable toilets. That can ruin a perfectly good time!
Mountain Disposal rents portable toilets around Rye, Colorado, and surrounding areas in southern Colorado. We have some tips to avoid the issue of having too few portable toilets (you might call it a porta potty) at your event.
Start with the Highest Estimated Number of Attendees
The first step in determining the number of portable toilets you’ll need is to estimate the highest number of expected attendees. Even if your guest list isn’t finalized, it’s better to overestimate than underestimate. A good rule of thumb is to provide one portable toilet for every 50 people per four hours. This ratio ensures that there are enough facilities for guests without causing unnecessary delays or discomfort.
For example, if you’re planning an eight-hour event with 100 guests, you would need four portable toilets. This calculation is based on the fact that 100 guests divided by 50 equals two, and since your event is eight hours long, you multiply that number by two, resulting in a total of four portable toilets.
Consider the Duration of the Event
The length of your event plays a significant role in determining how many portable toilets are necessary. As mentioned earlier, the general rule is one toilet per 50 people per four hours. However, if your event extends beyond four hours, you’ll need to adjust the number of toilets accordingly. For example, a 12-hour event with 100 guests would require six portable toilets.
It’s also important to consider the flow of people throughout the event. For instance, if there are peak times when most attendees will be present, such as during a concert’s intermission or a wedding reception’s dinner hour, you may need to increase the number of portable toilets to accommodate the higher demand.
Factor in Alcohol Consumption
If you plan to serve alcohol at your event, it’s crucial to adjust your portable toilet estimate. Alcohol increases the frequency of restroom use, so it’s wise to increase your original estimate of attendees by 25% and then recalculate the number of toilets needed.
For instance, if you’re hosting an eight-hour event with 100 guests and serving alcohol, you would take the original 100 guests and add 25% (which is 25 people), bringing the total to 125. Then, using the one toilet per 50 people per four hours rule, you would need five portable toilets instead of four. This adjustment helps ensure that your guests won’t experience long lines or discomfort due to inadequate facilities.
Account for Special Considerations
In addition to the basic calculations, there are several special considerations to keep in mind when determining the number of portable toilets needed.
Accessibility Needs
If your event will include elderly guests, people with disabilities, or families with small children, it’s important to provide accessible portable toilets. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that at least 5% of portable toilets at public events be ADA-compliant.
Gender Distribution
If your event is predominantly attended by women, you may need to provide additional toilets, as women tend to require more time in the restroom.
Food and Drink
The more food and drink served at your event, the more frequently guests will need to use the restroom. If your event features a large meal or unlimited beverages, consider adding extra portable toilets to accommodate the increased usage.
Weather Conditions
In extreme heat, guests tend to drink more water, leading to more frequent restroom visits. Similarly, in colder weather, attendees may spend more time in the restroom warming up. Both scenarios could necessitate additional portable toilets.
Type of Event
The nature of your event can also influence the number of portable toilets required. For example, a casual outdoor concert may have different restroom needs compared to a formal wedding. Understanding the behavior and needs of your guests will help you make a more accurate estimate.
Let Mountain Disposal Help You Estimate
Planning for portable toilets might not be the most glamorous part of event preparation, but it’s essential for ensuring a positive experience for your guests. By considering the highest estimated number of attendees, the duration of your event, whether alcohol will be served, and other special factors, you can accurately determine the number of portable toilets needed.
Remember, it’s always better to have too many portable toilets than too few! A well-planned event will leave your guests with lasting memories for all the right reasons, and adequate restroom facilities play a significant role in achieving that goal. Whether you’re planning a large-scale outdoor concert or an intimate wedding, Mountain Disposal is here to help you navigate the logistics of portable toilet rentals, ensuring your event is comfortable and successful.
Please call us at (719) 489-3456 to discuss your event. With a few simple questions, we can help you determine how many portable toilets your event will need.