Should I Buy Or Hire A Portable Toilet?

If you're faced with the prospect of using a portable toilet for an extended period of time, one thought may have popped into your head. Is it worth me just buying one?

The answer to that question will depend entirely on the situation your find yourself in. There are some circumstances where hiring will be better, and others where buying may be of more benefit in the long run.

In this blog we're going to run through the advantages and disadvantages of hiring or buying, and when to do one or the other.

When & Why Would You Hire A Portable Toilet? 

Hiring a portable toilet is the more common option for those organising events, festival and construction sites.

As you will only need the portable toilet for a set, and often short period of time hiring is the simpler and cost-effective solution.

Hiring is the best solution if you simply wish everything to do be done for you. From transporting and setting up the toilets, to servicing and cleaning,to waste disposal. 

To make sure you hire the right about of portable toilets you can use our toilet hire calculator

Things to consider

1. You only need the toilets for a short period of time
2. You do not have a waste carriers license and will need the waste disposed of for you.
3. You do not have a permanent place to keep the portable toilet
4. You need more than 1 per location
5. Toilet requirements may change frequently

Advantages of Hiring A Portable Toilet

1. Transportation and set up is taken care of
2. More cost effective for short term hire
3. Weekly servicing is included (majority of the time)
4. You don’t need to worry about disposing of the waste.

Disadvantages of Hiring A Portable Toilet

1. You are relying entirely on the hire company
2. Events outside of your control could impact the servicing and emptying of toilets. 
3. You will need to pay for any damage to the toilets.

When & Why Would You Buy A Portable Toilet?

Buying a portable toilet may seem like a strange purchase but it can also be a smart one. If you know you're going to need the toilet for longer than a year, or even on a permanent basis it would make more sense to buy one rather than rent.

For example, stable owners who want to provide toilet options for those that use the yard. Here it would make more sense to purchase a portaloo and pay for weekly or even monthly servicing. 

If you are a small builder who regularly carries out home renovations or extensions buying may also make more sense. For example, you will have a way of transporting the toilet and will be using for many years to come. Again, you can just pay for weekly servicing. 

Things to consider

1. You'll need the toilet longer than a year, possibly keeping it for many.
2. The toilet will not need to be moved from its delivery location. If it does you have the means to do this.
3. The toilet will have very low usage levels
4. You will still need to clean and service the toilet. If you plan to do this yourself you will need a waste carrier license. 
5. You will need a way of transporting the waste.
6. You will need to restock the toilet with hand sanitiser and toilet paper.

Advantages of Buying A Portable Toilet

1. No ongoing costs
2. More cost effective over longer time periods
3. Very long-lasting durable product
4. Variety of options to buy, even luxury portable toilets.

Disadvantages of Buying A Portable Toilet

1. Potential Eyesore
2. Permanently takes up storage space
3. You will still need to clean and remove the waste
4. You will need to obtain a waste carrier license if you plan to clean the toilet yourself. You will also need a way of transporting the waste. 
5. There will be an additional cost of using a waste  disposal plant.

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 Comparing the estimated costs

We can try to compare the estimated average costs you can expect to be paying when either renting or purchasing portable toilets so you can see which will be best for you.

*these are only estimated costs.Actual costs may very*

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Related Reading:

How many portable toilets do you need per person?

How much does portable toilet hire cost?

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Bare in mind the costs for buying a portable toilet doesn’t include any transportation or replenishment costs. You may also be able to get a cheaper weekly hire rate depending on how many toilets you need.

So, you can see how based on these estimated costs, the situation you’re in will impact what is the most cost-effective solution for you.

Still unsure?

If you are still unsure what the best course of action is for you feel free to give our expert team a call on 0800 999 2260 and they will be happy to help.

Alternatively, if you know you want to hire please use our get a quote tool and our team will get back to you as soon as possible.