In your planning for your outdoor gathering, whether it’s your wedding, a construction job or a festival at the local town hall, you think about the food, the tents, the seating and maybe even the parking. But someone finally asks where the bathrooms are and everyone is suddenly horrified. You’re not alone because if you’re a first timer at arranging for portable toilet rental in New Jersey, you have no idea where to start and if you do, it’s scary easy. So let’s start by talking about how to get it right. You need enough, a convenient delivery and pickup schedule, regular service and a company that shows up when they say they will because that’s not just a deal-breaker, it’s a nightmare of a start to your event or project.
What are you actually paying for?
Now, you’re probably wondering what it costs. There is a wide range, depending on what you need. A basic standard unit for a day or a weekend is significantly cheaper than a deluxe and flushing trailer with sinks and air conditioning. You also get charged less for construction units if you’re planning on renting them for a longer time frame with a discounted rate for every additional week. Delivery, pickup and servicing are usually included in the rates or added on as extra charges, so be sure to read the fine print on the contract and ask for a detailed cost breakdown. Fuel surcharges, cleaning deposits, damage waivers and minimum rental periods also differ, so by asking for an itemized bill you can save thousands of dollars and not fall for the marketing tactics of some companies trying to upsell you by saying that you need more. In some cases, you can get exactly what you want for almost double the price due to hidden fees, so always read and understand everything before signing anything. Remember, cheapest rate doesn’t always mean clean.
How many do you actually need?
Too few and your guests will complain, too many and you’ll be wasting money. As a rule of thumb, for an event you want to budget on one unit for every fifty guests for a short event, but more if the party is going to be a long one and alcohol is involved. Weddings and festivals always require a higher amount than you think, since most people tend not stick to one bathroom visit per person. For a worksite, there are strict standards, depending on the number of people working and their schedules. Ten people is not the same as forty, obviously. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so just add another one or two to your estimated number. No one is ever thrilled about short lines, so keep that in mind. Additionally, don’t forget to factor in a handwashing station, where people can wash their hands with soap and water, since that is usually the most complained about part about porta potties.
Standard, deluxe, ADA and trailers: which ones are best?
It all boils down to the type of event and who is going to be there. As mentioned above, a standard is a basic blue box, fit for a job site, a weekend festival or your own backyard. Deluxe units have the option of an added sink or hand sanitizer and sometimes even a mirror, which is a nice touch for weddings and company picnics. Then there are ADA accessible units, which are larger and have space for wheelchairs, if you have anyone with special needs at your event. Finally, trailers are essentially small buildings on wheels, with toilets that flush and lights and heating or air-conditioning, depending on the season. Trailers have a higher price tag, but if you’re throwing a formal wedding or festival, they’re definitely an option to consider. Think about who your audience is going to be because your grandmother doesn’t want to go to a party in a blue box.
Finding the best porta potty rental in Monmouth County, New Jersey is easy once you know what to look for.
First off, remember that distance makes the difference, literally. If you’re planning your event in the shore or the local towns near Freehold, Middletown, Manalapan or Keyport, you want to have a company that can show up fast and do any repairs as soon as possible. When you’re looking for the best porta potty rental in Monmouth county, New Jersey, a few things stand out, such as reliability, cleanliness, rates and how human-friendly the pick-up line is. Read reviews, both positive and negative, paying special attention to the latter and how the company reacts to them. If the company handles a complaint well, not brushing it off, it’s a good sign. How often do they service their units? How would they react to a weekend emergency? Can the driver actually get to your event considering the traffic? A local team knows the ins and outs of the road system and can get there faster.
Where to place your units so they’re convenient, but not in the way
Where you put your units is almost as important as how many you have. Try to find a hard surface, if possible, to avoid the blue boxes from sinking and tipping on their sides after a rainstorm, which is unsightly and difficult to clean. They should also be within the distance of a service truck, but not blocked by cars or the event itself. Put them within easy walking distance, but not right next to the food tents due to bad smells. Add lights if you’re going to have the units up in the evening and signs if you have a large-scale event. In the case of a jobsite, you may want to put them in certain areas if the grounds are large. Some places have restrictions and permit laws for portable toilets, so be sure to check with local authorities before putting your units up.
Keeping your units clean during the event
A clean porta potty at 9 AM looks like trash by 4 PM. For events, ask if they have a mid-event service, where a representative comes by to empty the tank, replace the toilet paper and sanitize the unit. For longer jobs, weekly servicing is standard, while bigger crews require more frequent servicing. Stock up on extra TP, if you can and have someone on staff give a once-over every couple of hours. It won’t take much time and it goes a long way. Remind your guests not to throw anything away or in the unit and if a blue box does get completely trashed, call the company instead of waiting for them to come around. Good companies would rather have complaints about a dirty unit than suffer a disaster. Cleanliness is the most important part of a porta potty, so keep that in mind.
Booking early and choosing a company you can rely on
Book early, because Saturday openings for the spring and summer are limited and fall is a busy season for weddings, after all. If you wait till the last minute, you’ll be charged more for what’s left or a rush fee. Call around, ask questions and see how they answer. Are they pushy or is the customer first? Ask about the delivery time frame and the pickup. Tell them what you have and ask about their recommendations. If you’re looking for a porta potty rental near me, a local team knows the area and can recommend what’s best for you. Poor John’s Portable Toilets is based at 110 West Front Street, Keyport, NJ 07735 and you can call them at +1 732-888-0032. Contact them today and tell them about your needs and situation and they’ll help walk you through everything else.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a porta potty rental cost a day?
It will depend on the unit, distance and additional services as a whole, but a standard is always going to be cheaper than a deluxe or a trailer. Always ask for an itemized rate that includes delivery and pickups.
How many porta potties will I need for a wedding or party?
As a general rule of thumb, budget on one unit for every fifty guests for a short event. Add more for a longer event or if alcohol is served.
Do I need an ADA accessible portable toilet?
It depends on your event and your audience. For many large events, there are ADA requirements for accessibility, so it’s good to have one if you have anyone with special needs attending
How often are portable toilets serviced on a job site?
It depends on the number of people working and the length of the job, but most jobs only require weekly servicing. Larger crews may need more frequent cleanings. Your rental company should let you know their policy on servicing
How far in advance should I book a porta potty rental?
Two to four weeks is usually recommended, but it also depends on the time of the year. More people tend to book during summer weekends, so the earlier the better. This also applies to holidays and special events.
Are restroom trailers worth the extra money?
For the most part, yes, especially if you’re having a formal wedding, company picnic or a large-scale festival. Trailers have toilets that flush and usually have lights, as well as heat or air-conditioning, depending on the season.
