What to consider when running a public event

Running a public event can be an exciting venture, but it comes with a long checklist of responsibilities. One essential aspect is making sure you’ve got enough portable toilets in the right places to keep your guests happy and comfortable. From deciding where to put them to calculating how many you’ll need, this guide covers everything you should know.

Where Should You Place PortableToilets?

Choosing the right spot for your portable toilet is more important than you might think. A few simple decisions can make all the difference:

• Pick Flat Ground:
  Toilets need to sit on solid, level ground so they stay stable, even when busy. Avoid slopes or areas prone to water logging.
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• Keep Them Accessible:
  Place toilets near main paths or gathering spots so guests don’t have to wander too far.
• Avoid Trouble Spots:
  If the area might become muddy or slippery, consider laying mats or gravel to make it safer for visitors.

Getting Delivery and Collection Right

Portable toilets don’t just appear on-site like magic—they need proper delivery and collection plans.

• Leave Enough Space:    
  Delivery trucks need room to park and unload the units. Make sure they can get as close as possible to your chosen spots.
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• Think Ahead:
  For multi-day events, ensure service vehicles can reach the toilets regularly for cleaning and emptying.

Making Sure Everyone’s Included

Public events attract a wide range of visitors, so it’s important to cater for everyone’s needs.

• Disabled Access:
  Ensure you hire accessible toilets for disabled and less-mobile guests which are spacious and designed for wheelchairs.
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• Baby-Changing Facilities:
  Families will appreciate toilets with baby-changing options—essential for family-friendly events.

Placement Tips for Food and Drink Areas

If you’re serving food and drinks, it’s a good idea to think carefully about where to put your toilets:

• Keep Them Separate:    
  Toilets should be far enough from food stalls to avoid unpleasant smells but still close enough for easy access.
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• Balance Convenience:
  Don’t put toilets so far away that guests struggle to find them after enjoying a drink.

If you’re event is a 2 or more-day event, or has a heavy footfall, you may need to consider having a service for your toilets. This stops your waste tank from overflowing and means your toilets will be cleaned thoroughly and replenished with consumables.  

How Many Toilets Will You Need?

This depends on the size of your event, how long it lasts, and whether you’re serving food or alcohol. Here are some general guidelines:

• Standard Event:
  One toilet per 50 guests for events lasting up to 6 hours.
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• Events with Alcohol:    
  Add 15–25% more toilets to avoid long queues.
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• Check the Numbers:    
  Use our toilet calculator to work out exactly how many you’ll need. Or give us a call and we’ll talk you through it.

Extra Features to Consider

Depending on your budget and the type of event, you might want to add some extras:

• Urinals:
  Our 4 bay urinal can help reduce queues, especially for male guests.
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• Hand-Washing Stations:
  Perfect for messier events, offering portable sinks with refillable water reservoirs.

Preparing for Evening Events

Planning a night-time event? Make sure your toilets are ready for low-light conditions.

• Lighting Options:
  Add motion-sensor lights to improve visibility and reduce the risk of accidents after dark.

Costs to Keep in Mind

Portable toilets are often hired with a minimum rental period of two weeks, but don’t let this put you off—this covers delivery, collection, and servicing. Get a detailed quote to see exactly what’s included.

Handy Tips for a Hassle-Free Event

1. Plan for Peak Times: Events with alcohol or food require extra toilets to handle higher usage
2. Assign a Monitor: Have someone on-site to check supplies like toilet paper and hand sanitiser throughout the event.
3. Schedule Regular Servicing: For longer events, arrange for waste removal and cleaning to keep facilities fresh.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

How close should toilets be to food stalls?
We recommend placing toilets at least 10–15 metres away from food stalls to maintain hygiene while keeping them easy to access.

What’s the minimum number of toilets I need?
For an event lasting less than 6hours, hire one toilet per 50 guests. Adjust for alcohol or food to avoid queues.

Do I need accessible toilets?
Yes, it’s essential to include accessible toilets at public events to cater for disabled guests.

Can I get toilets cleaned during the event?
Absolutely. Regular servicing is available for multi-day events to ensure toilets stay clean and fully stocked.

What areas do you cover?
We can provide toilets to Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Walsall and other areas across the West Midlands.
‍Contact us today with your requirements.

Let’s Make Your Event a Success

Need more help planning your portable toilet hire? At D-Tox, we’ve got the expertise and equipment to make your event run smoothly. Contact us for personalised advice or a no-obligation quote today.

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