Portable Toilet Rental Guide for West Michigan Events & Job Sites

How Many Portable Toilets Do I Need?

The number of portable toilets you need depends on the type of event or project, the number of people present, and how long they'll be on site. For outdoor events and festivals, the general industry guideline is one toilet per 50 attendees for a four-to-six-hour event. Shorter gatherings under four hours can often get by with one unit per 100 guests. For weddings and upscale events where alcohol is served, plan for one toilet per 35 to 50 guests to keep lines short and guests comfortable.

Construction sites follow OSHA guidelines: one toilet is required for every 20 workers on a standard 40-hour workweek. If your crew is smaller than 20, you still need at least one unit. For larger crews or extended projects, adding a second unit keeps productivity high and avoids bottlenecks during break times. When in doubt, it is always better to round up, an extra unit costs far less than frustrated guests or idle workers.

Choosing Between Standard and Handicap-Accessible Units

Standard portable toilets are the most common choice for construction sites, farm operations, and casual outdoor events. They are compact, durable, and cost-effective. Handicap-accessible units, also known as ADA-compliant units, are larger and wider to accommodate wheelchairs. They include grab bars, a flat ground-level entrance, and enough interior space for a wheelchair to turn. For any event with 50 or more attendees, we strongly recommend including at least one handicap-accessible unit to ensure all guests have access. ADA units are also a thoughtful choice for weddings and community gatherings where elderly attendees or families with young children may appreciate the extra space.

Weekend vs. Weekly Rentals: Which Is Right?

Weekend rentals are ideal for short events like backyard parties, wedding receptions, festivals, and quick construction jobs that run Friday through Sunday. They include delivery, one service visit, and pickup. Weekly rentals are the better choice for longer construction projects, farm operations, campgrounds, and multi-day festivals that run a full week or more. Weekly rentals include regular service visits to pump, sanitize, and restock each unit so your site stays clean for the entire duration. If your project extends beyond a month, call us and we can set up a long-term rental plan with a customized rate.

Preparing Your Site for Delivery

Before we arrive, make sure the placement area is flat, firm, and accessible. Each standard unit needs roughly a four-by-four-foot footprint, and handicap units need a bit more room with a five-foot turning radius for wheelchair access. Our delivery truck needs a path at least four feet wide to reach the placement spot. If your site has a gate, lock, or narrow access road, include those details in the site instructions when booking so our driver can plan the route. We can place units on grass, gravel, dirt, or pavement. For paved surfaces, we use protective padding to prevent any marking.

What's Included With Every Rental?

Every Richards portable toilet comes fully stocked with toilet paper and hand sanitizer. For weekly rentals, our service team visits once per week to pump the waste tank, clean and sanitize all surfaces, restock supplies, and inspect the unit for any damage. Weekend rentals include one service visit. If you need extra cleanings during your rental for a high-traffic event or a long project, just call us and we'll add service visits to your schedule. Our goal is to make sure your site stays comfortable and sanitary from delivery through pickup.