Porta Potty Forum
Log inAsk a question

Outdoor catering setup: put the handwash station by the food, or by the porta potties?

Megan H.asked 0 viewsEvents & WeddingsEventsHandwash stationPlacementCateringStandard unitFood service

We're hosting a backyard get-together for about 60 people with a food truck and a couple of drink stations. House bathrooms stay for family, so we're renting one standard portable toilet plus a handwash station.

The caterer wants the sink right next to the food line so guests wash before they grab a plate. The rental quote sketched the handwash next to the porta potty at the side of the yard, which is also where the vacuum truck can pull in on gravel.

Health-wise, which placement actually makes sense for an outdoor food setup? Both spots are level and reachable. Just trying not to get called out if anyone walks the site.

1 answer

Sorted by votes
0
Brooke L.Charleston, SC

Place the handwash station near the food service, not the porta potties. The caterer is correct that this placement encourages handwashing before eating, which is the primary health goal for a food event. Guests are more likely to wash their hands when the station is convenient to where they get their food. The standard portable toilet and the handwash station serve two separate functions; they do not need to be paired.

Your rental company likely suggested placing the handwash station next to the portable toilet for servicing efficiency, as the vacuum truck can service both units in one stop. You can solve this by confirming with the company that the driver can easily access the two separate locations during the service visit. Since both spots have level ground and truck access, this should not be a problem, though it might affect the delivery and service logistics slightly.

For 60 guests, one standard unit is within the common event planning guideline, which starts around one unit per 50 to 75 people for a shorter event. Adding a handwash station is a smart move for hygiene, especially with served food.

Your answer

Log in or create a free account to answer this question.

Related questions