Restrooms are the part of an outdoor event nobody thinks about until they are standing in a lineup. Whether you are putting on a countryside wedding, a community festival, or running a crew on a long build, getting the washroom side right is about hygiene, keeping people comfortable, and meeting whatever rules apply to the gathering. The good news is it is not complicated once you know the basics. At Standstone we field these calls all the time, so here is the rundown.
Step 1: Know the types of units
Not every portable toilet is the same. The common options:
- Standard portable toilet. The basic single stall with a toilet and privacy. The workhorse for job sites and shorter outdoor events.
- Flush unit or deluxe. A step up, usually with a foot-pump flush, a small non-potable sink, and a mirror. Good for mid-size gatherings and family events that want a bit more comfort.
- Accessible unit. A larger unit with a wider door, ramp access, and grab bars so it works for guests using a wheelchair. For public events, accessibility is often a requirement, so check the rules for your event.
- Handwashing station. A standalone unit with sinks, soap, and paper towel. Worth having anywhere food is served or a crew needs to clean up.
- Restroom trailer. A self-contained trailer closer to an indoor washroom, with running water and climate control. The pick for weddings and higher-end events where comfort is the point.
Step 2: Work out how many you need
Too few units means lineups; too many means paying for ones nobody uses. A rough starting guide:
- Events, per 100 people: one to two standard units for a half day, two to three for a full day. If alcohol is served, plan on more, since drinking pushes usage up noticeably.
- Construction sites: a common guideline is one unit per ten workers on a standard work week, plus at least one accessible unit on site.
- Add support units: for bigger events, mix in an accessible unit and a handwashing station alongside your standard units.
These are starting points. Headcount, event length, food and drink, and the crowd all shift the math, so it is worth talking the specifics through rather than guessing.
Step 3: Placement and servicing
Where the units go matters as much as how many you have:
- Access. Put units on firm, level ground a service truck can reach. Avoid muddy or uneven spots, which on a rural site can rule out a few locations.
- Visibility and privacy. Easy to find with a bit of signage, but set back from the main view and the food.
- Weather. A shaded spot is kinder in an Alberta summer; some shelter helps in colder months.
- Servicing. Line up a service schedule with the rental. Events are typically serviced before and after; longer site rentals get regular pickups so the units stay clean and usable.
Rent portable toilets across the counties
Standstone has rented and serviced portable toilets across Lac Ste. Anne, Parkland, Sturgeon, Barrhead, and Leduc counties since 1991, out of Onoway. From a single unit for a backyard wedding near Cherhill to a row of them for a build past Mayerthorpe, tell us your date, headcount, and location and we will sort the right setup. The office confirms pricing, and you should call to confirm availability and timing.
Start a request at /#quote or call the office at 780-967-2118. You can also see the details on our portable toilet rental page.