Unsure on the amount of portaloos you need for your event?
Most event organisers get this wrong, let’s deep dive…
Typical Portaloo Hire Guide
| Attendees | Duration | Toilets Needed |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | 4 hours | 2 |
| 100 | 6 hours | 2/3 |
| 250 | 8 hours | 4-6 + disabled |
| 500 | Full Day | 8-10 + disabled |
Different Scenarios of Toilet Hire Guide
| Event Type | Attendees | Duration | Alcohol? Y/N | Recommended Toilets | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private Party | 50–100 | 4–6 hrs | Y | 2–3 | Increase if limited indoor access |
| Larger Private Party | 100–200 | 6–8 hrs | Y | 3-5 | Booze can increase toilet usage up to 30% |
| Wedding (smaller) | 80-150 | Full day | Y | 2+1 luxury unit or 3 portaloos | Luxury recommended |
| Wedding (larger) | 150-250 | Full day | Y | 3+1, 3+2 or 3+2 luxury unit | Luxury recommended |
| Corporate Outdoor | 100-300 | 8 hours | Sometimes | 3-6 portaloos + 1 disabled | Opt for more portaloos if drinks being served |
| Festival (small) | 250-500 | Full day | Y | 10-12 portaloos + 2 disabled | Spread across site |
| Festival (large) | 500-1000+ | Full day | Y | 20-35+ portaloos + disabled | Get in contact to discuss further – servicing will be required |
| Charity Run (5k/10k) | 200–500 | 2-4 hours | N | 4-8 portaloos | Toilets at start/finish area |
| Marathon / Trail Run | 500–2000+ | 7+ hours | N | 1 loo per 30–50 participants | Place every 10km / 2 loos per stop |
| Small Construction Site | 1-7 workers | Ongoing | N | 1 | HSE legal requirement |
| Larger Construction Site | 8–20+ | 6–20+ | N | 2–4 – Welfare unit may be more applicable | Depends on workforce – get in touch |
Does alcohol impact the amount of loo’s you need?
Yes, alcohol has a huge impact on the amount of portaloos and/or luxury toilets needed. Weddings will always increase the loo requirement (you do not want waste tank overloads). Festivals, will increase significantly (but we plan for worst case with festivals). Parties (will increase depending on location) It’s important you communicate truthfully about the alcohol situation. Although all of our loos we hire out have public liability insurance – damage to loo’s will fall under the clients responsibility.
Toilet Planning for Running Events
A typical rule we advise is 1 toilet per 30-50 participants. For smaller running events (5km/10km) you can get away with having the loos at the start and finishing line. For marathons, ultra marathons, trail running – we advise 2 portaloos every 10km water stop. If you have a map of your course, feel free to send it over and we can help map toilet placement. We always advise adding some disabled loo’s within the required portaloo guide, but this may vary depending on the requirement of the event.
Do I need luxury toilets for a wedding?
For your ‘special day’ portaloos are very rarely the best option. Luxury toilets give that classy feel and if guest experience matters, go luxury. It is so important you communicate guest numbers, if people are staying over and alcohol requirements for wedding loo hire, as the last thing you want is a waste tank overflow.
Still confused?
Let us know you're event requirements