High-rise build: How often should we service porta potties on the 20th floor?

Question

We're 12 weeks into a 30-story build in downtown Phoenix. The crew is 150 strong, working six 10-hour days. We have four standard portable toilets and one ADA-compliant unit on the 20th floor, serviced weekly. The elevator is for materials only until the core is complete, so the vacuum truck can't get up there. The operator has to pump each unit manually with a portable tank and carry it down. In this heat, the units are foul by Wednesday. I'm getting complaints daily. Should I push for twice-weekly service, or switch to a different type of unit that handles the heat better? What's the most efficient way to handle high-rise sanitation with no truck access?

Ray M. · Answer

Push for twice-weekly service immediately. Your setup meets OSHA 1926.51 minimums for 150 workers, but weekly service isn't enough in Phoenix heat with manual pumping. High temperatures accelerate waste decomposition and odor buildup, overwhelming standard deodorizers. Manual service is labor-intensive, each unit's 50-70 gallon holding tank must be pumped into a portable tank, carried down, and disposed, so expect higher costs due to labor and frequency.

Switching to deluxe flushing units won't solve the core issue: they still need waste pumped manually and their fresh water tanks risk overheating. Restroom trailers are impractical without elevator access for setup and servicing. The most efficient fix is increased service frequency. Also, ensure your operator uses a formaldehyde-free deodorizer rated for high heat, and consider adding a hand sanitizer dispenser to reduce moisture from handwashing. Confirm the units are placed in shaded areas if possible to reduce solar heat gain.

High-rise build: How often should we service porta potties on the 20th floor?

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