How many porta potties do I need for my event?
Our sizing method is 1 porta potty per 50 guests for events up to 4 hours. For 5 to 8 hours, plan 1 per 40 guests. Add 1 unit if alcohol is served. Add 1 hand-wash station per 2 to 3 toilets when food is served, and make at least 1 unit wheelchair-accessible.
Worked example: 150 guests, 5 hours, bar and food
- The event runs 5 hours, so use 1 per 40: 150 ÷ 40 = 3.75, round up to 4 units.
- A bar is open, so add 1: 4 + 1 = 5 units.
- Food is served, so add hand-wash stations at 1 per 2 to 3 toilets: 5 toilets = 2 stations.
- Make 1 of the 5 units wheelchair-accessible.
Final order: 4 standard units, 1 accessible unit and 2 hand-wash stations.
| Event | Math | Toilets | Hand-wash stations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 70 guests, 4 hours, no bar, snacks | 70 ÷ 50 = 1.4, round up | 2 | 1 |
| 150 guests, 5 hours, bar, food | 150 ÷ 40 = 3.75 → 4, +1 bar | 5 | 2 |
| 300 guests, 6 hours, bar, food | 300 ÷ 40 = 7.5 → 8, +1 bar | 9 | 3 to 4 |
This is our recommendation, not a law. For more scenarios, see how many porta potties you need.
Kids' parties run a little different. Young children need help and take longer, so round up rather than down.
Spread-out events, like a 5K course or a big field day, may need two smaller clusters instead of one. Each cluster should include at least 1 accessible unit.
When are event porta potties delivered and picked up?
Event porta potties for a weekend are dropped off Friday and picked up Monday, or Tuesday after a holiday Monday. The extra days are not charged. The driver calls ahead, and you do not need to be home if the spot is marked with cones, tape or a flag and is reachable.
- Weekday events: pick a delivery and pickup day when you book. One flat price covers any stretch of 1 to 5 days.
- May to October weekends: book at least 3 business days ahead.
- Holiday weekends: July 4th, Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends book up. Reserve 1 to 2 weeks ahead.
- Multi-day events: event units are not cleaned during the rental unless you add a mid-event service visit.
Last-minute? Same-day delivery works Monday to Saturday when you call before noon. Read how far ahead to book a porta potty for the full calendar.
Weekend timeline
| Day | What happens |
|---|---|
| Friday | Units delivered, cleaned and stocked |
| Saturday | Your event |
| Sunday | Units stay in place at no charge |
| Monday | Pickup (Tuesday after a holiday Monday) |
Planning event porta potty rental in Shelton, CT at a park or downtown?
Event porta potty rental in Shelton, CT often lands downtown. Veterans Memorial Park and the Riverwalk on Canal Street host carnivals, food truck festivals, movie nights and Shelton Day. The Shelton Farmers Market runs Saturday mornings from May to October across Canal Street. City property needs city approval first.
- Veterans Memorial Park and the Riverwalk: the City of Shelton Riverwalk page lists the events held there. Ask the city where units may stand and where the truck can park.
- Huntington Green: the historic green in Huntington Center is city land. Check with City Hall at (203) 924-1555 before placing units for a gathering there.
- Food vendors: temporary food stands are permitted by the Naugatuck Valley Health District. Plan hand washing for vendors and guests.
- Backyards and churches: private property needs only a level, firm, reachable spot.
Units set on pavement near a lot are easier to reach than units on soft lawn by the river. Tell us the exact spot when you book.
Need it delivered today?
Call before noon, Monday to Saturday, for same-day delivery.
How are event units different from construction units?
Event units come from a separate, newer set used only for parties, weddings and community events. Each one arrives cleaned, sanitized and stocked with toilet paper and hand sanitizer. Construction units stay on job sites. One flat event price covers 1 to 5 days, with delivery and pickup included.
That split matters at a graduation party or baby shower. Guests see a clean unit, not one with a season of job-site wear.
- Upgrades: a deluxe flushing unit with a sink for showers and receptions, or a restroom trailer for dressy events.
- Colors: pink, gray and blue units are common. Ask for a color when you book.
- Service: for 3-day festivals, add a mid-event visit to pump, clean and restock.
Graduation parties, family reunions, church picnics, youth tournaments, 5K races, car shows and celebrations of life all use event units.
What the flat price covers
- Delivery and pickup
- A unit cleaned, sanitized and stocked
- Toilet paper and hand sanitizer for the rental
- Any 1 to 5 days, weekday or weekend
Tax and add-ons, like a mid-event service visit, show as their own lines.
Where should event porta potties go?
Event porta potties should stand together in one row on level, firm ground, a short walk from guests but away from food tables. Put hand-wash stations at the end of the row and the accessible unit on the flattest path. Keep every unit off septic covers and away from steep slopes.
- One cluster: guests find a single row faster than units spread around the yard.
- Downwind of food: keep the row away from the buffet and grill.
- Lit at night: a string light or path light helps after sunset.
- Doors facing guests: but turned away from the neighbors' windows.
- Gate width: a standard unit needs a gate about 48 inches wide.
Homes on a well and septic often rent a unit to keep guests out of the house. See our backyard party porta potty checklist before the big day.
Night-before checklist
- Walk the path from the party to the units.
- Check that each unit has paper and sanitizer.
- Put a small trash can by the hand-wash stations.
- Close the doors so rain stays out.