How Many Porta Potties Do You Need for Your Event?

A Simple Guide from Adept Septic Services, Hastings, MI

When you’re planning an event, whether it’s a wedding, festival, fundraiser, or construction project—there’s one thing guests will always appreciate: clean, accessible restrooms.

At Adept Septic Services, we’ve helped Hastings and Barry County residents with porta potty rentals for everything from backyard weddings to large‑scale building projects. The question we hear most often is:

“How many porta potties do I actually need?”

Let’s break it down with some simple rules, a quick‑reference chart, and a calculator so you can plan with confidence.

Why the Right Number Matters

• No long lines – Guests shouldn’t spend half the event waiting for a bathroom.

• Comfort & hygiene – A clean, uncrowded unit keeps your event fresh (literally).

• Compliance – Some events must meet ADA accessibility requirements or OSHA standards.

Key Factors to Consider

1. Guest count – The more people, the more units you’ll need.

2. Event duration – Events longer than 4 hours require extra units.

3. Alcohol service – Alcohol increases restroom usage by 10–20%.

4. Event type – Weddings, festivals, and construction sites each have their own norms.

5. Accessibility – Most events require at least one ADA‑compliant unit.

Quick Porta Potty Estimator Chart

*ADA: At least 1 per 20–40 standard units.

Rule of thumb: 1 unit per 50 guests for events up to 4 hours.

• Add 20% if alcohol is served.

• Add 1 unit per 100 guests for events over 4 hours.

Simple Porta Potty Calculator

Step 1: Start with your guest count ÷ 50.
Step 2: If alcohol is served → multiply total by 1.2.
Step 3: If event lasts more than 4 hours → add 1 unit per 100 guests.
Step 4: Add required ADA units.

Example:

• 200 guests, serving alcohol, 6‑hour event:

  • 200 ÷ 50 = 4 units

  • 4 × 1.2 = 4.8 (round up to 5)

  • Event over 4 hours → +2 units

  • Add 1 ADA unit

  • Total: 8 units (including ADA)

Special Event Recommendations

• Weddings – For comfort and zero wait times, consider 1 unit per 25–50 guests, plus one upscale or luxury trailer unit.

• Construction Sites – OSHA requires 1 toilet per 40 workers (20–200 workers) or per 50 workers (200+ workers).

• Festivals – Spread restrooms in multiple locations and include handwashing stations.

Placement Tips

• Place units on level, accessible ground.

• Keep them downwind from food areas.

• Make ADA units easy to reach.

• Ensure truck access for servicing.

Ready to Book?

If you’re hosting an event or managing a job site in Hastings, MI or Barry County, Adept Septic Services can provide clean, reliable porta potty rentals, delivered and serviced on time.

📞 Call us today to get your free estimate and make sure your guests stay comfortable!

[ninja_form id=8]