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Glossary

Holding tank

The holding tank is the sealed reservoir under the seat of a portable toilet that collects waste, flush water and deodorizer until a vacuum truck pumps it out. Standard units hold roughly 50 to 70 gallons depending on the model.

Deodorizer

Deodorizer is the treatment added to a portable toilet's holding tank at each service: a blue dye that hides the contents, a fragrance, a surfactant and a biocide that slows the bacteria that produce odor. It comes as a liquid or a dissolvable packet.

Formaldehyde-free deodorizer

A formaldehyde-free deodorizer controls odor in a portable toilet holding tank with quaternary ammonium compounds, bronopol or enzyme and bacteria blends instead of formaldehyde. Many treatment plants refuse formaldehyde-bearing waste, which pushed the industry toward these products.

Service visit

A service visit is the scheduled stop by a vacuum truck driver who pumps the holding tank, recharges the deodorizer and water, cleans the interior, restocks toilet paper and checks the unit for damage. Weekly service is the industry norm for a unit in normal use.

Odor control

Odor control in a portable toilet is a combination of deodorizer in the tank, service frequency, ventilation and shade. A unit smells when the tank is overdue, the deodorizer is used up, the vent is blocked or the unit sits in full sun.

Buying versus renting a unit

Buying a portable toilet instead of renting one makes sense only when you can also handle the servicing: pumping the tank, disposing of the waste legally and keeping deodorizer and paper stocked. Most owners of a single unit still pay a rental company for service.

30 results for “Deodorizer”