Planning an event means making sure guests can access a toilet when they need one. Too few can lead to long queues and uncomfortable conditions, while hiring more than necessary can add to your costs.
The right number depends on the details of your event. Attendance is the starting point, but the length of the event, alcohol consumption, existing amenities, accessibility and your site can all affect what you need.
Summerland Environmental provides portable toilet hire for events and temporary situations across Northern NSW and can help you plan the right number of facilities for your gathering.
The number of people expected to attend your event is the best place to start. However, consider how many people are likely to be onsite at the busiest times, rather than simply the total attendance for the day.
NSW Government guidance provides planning figures based on attendance, but other factors also need to be considered, including how long people will be onsite and when demand is likely to be highest.
For a small wedding, market or community gathering, existing site amenities may cover some of the demand. A larger festival or outdoor event is more likely to need additional units to keep queues manageable.
How long people stay can make a noticeable difference. A morning market will generally put less pressure on the facilities than an all-day festival or evening celebration.
Alcohol is another important consideration. The NSW Government recommends providing substantially more facilities where alcohol is available than for comparable events where it is not.
It is also worth thinking about busy periods. Sporting events, concerts and festivals can see a rush during scheduled breaks, when a game finishes or at other points when large numbers of people move around the site.
If you are choosing between two possible numbers, allowing some extra capacity is generally better than having guests wait in long queues.
You may not need to hire enough portable units to cover the entire event if the venue already has suitable toilets. Check what facilities are available, whether guests can use them throughout the event and whether they are in a convenient location.
Once you know what is already available, consider where any additional portable units will be placed. Portable units should be easy to find without creating congestion or getting in the way of food stalls, entertainment or vehicles. You also need to allow suitable access for the service vehicle if the units require servicing.
For larger gatherings, include portable toilet locations in your site plan and consider lighting and pedestrian access when deciding where the units should be placed.
The total number of toilets is only part of the planning. You also need suitable options for people with disability and other guests who may have additional needs.
The NSW Government recommends providing accessible toilet facilities and states that an accessible toilet should be provided with each bank of standard toilets.
People attending with young children may also benefit from amenities such as baby change facilities. Think about who will be attending rather than assuming everyone will have the same needs.
Summerland Environmental has disabled-access portable toilets available for events. A mobile toilet block is also available for larger events and construction sites.
Portable toilets need to remain clean, stocked and usable throughout the gathering, particularly when they are being used heavily.
For a longer or busier event, ask your provider whether cleaning or pump-out will be needed while the event is underway. You should also make sure there is a suitable supply of toilet paper and handwashing facilities.
If servicing is required, the service vehicle needs a clear route to the units. Arranging this before the event starts can help avoid problems later.
Event numbers can change between the initial planning stage and the day itself. Tickets may sell faster than expected, extra guests may arrive, or an event may attract more people than anticipated.
If there is a chance your numbers will increase, talk to your portable toilet provider before the event about whether additional units can be added. It is also worth confirming how much notice they need if your requirements change.
Planning for some flexibility can help you avoid being caught short if attendance is higher than expected, particularly for events where guest numbers are difficult to predict.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to how many portable toilets an event needs. Start with the number of people likely to be onsite at peak times, then consider the event’s duration, alcohol consumption, existing toilets, accessibility and site layout.
If you are unsure about the final number, discuss these details with your portable toilet provider before making a booking. They can help you choose a practical setup for the event and site.
Summerland Environmental provides portable toilet hire and servicing across Northern NSW for weddings, markets, festivals, sporting events and other temporary gatherings.
Contact our team to discuss your event and arrange a quote for the facilities you need.