Driver says our crew keeps tossing water bottles and gloves down the porta potty. Is that going to cost us?

Question

Got a note from the service driver taped to the door yesterday. He says every visit he's pulling plastic water bottles, work gloves, energy drink cans and a few hard hat liners out of the tank on our site, and if it keeps happening the office will start adding a charge.

We have two standard units for about 18 guys on a commercial shell job, serviced once a week. There's no trash can anywhere near them, which I'm guessing is half the problem. The closest dumpster is across the lot.

A few questions. Does junk in the tank actually stop them from pumping it, or just slow the driver down? Can a bottle wreck the truck or the hose? And is setting a trash can right next to the door enough, or do I need to put up a sign and chew some people out at the morning meeting? Never had a driver complain before.

Nina R. · Answer

Yes, junk in the tank will cost you. The driver's note is a warning that foreign objects like bottles and gloves can lead to extra charges for cleanup or missed service. These items clog the pump hose, slow down the service visit, and risk damaging the vacuum truck's equipment. A blocked hose means the driver cannot fully empty the [holding tank](https://portapotty.forum/glossary/holding-tank/), leaving waste behind and requiring more frequent service.

Your crew is likely tossing items because there's no trash can nearby. Place a sturdy trash can right by the [standard unit](https://portapotty.forum/glossary/standard-unit/) door, visibility matters. At the morning meeting, remind everyone that only human waste and toilet paper go in the unit. Anything else causes problems and may trigger fees from the rental company. With 18 workers, your two units meet OSHA 1926.51 minimums, but keeping them clear ensures reliable service.

Driver says our crew keeps tossing water bottles and gloves down the porta potty. Is that going to cost us?

1 answer