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Porta potty for a 10-month lakeside cabin build: monthly rental or buy?

Sam O.asked 1 viewHome Renovations & Long-termLong term rentalBuying vs rentingRemote siteService frequencyHolding tank

We're building a cabin on a remote lake lot, gravel road access, no utilities yet. The build will take about 10 months with a crew of 4 to 6 people working weekdays. I'm trying to decide between renting a standard portable toilet long-term or buying one and handling the service visits myself. The ground is level gravel, and a vacuum truck can get within 20 feet of the proposed spot. Has anyone done the math on buying versus renting for a project this long? What are the hidden costs of self-servicing, like waste disposal fees or deodorizer supplies?

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Ray M.Dallas, TX

Rent the standard portable toilet monthly. For a 10-month build with 4 to 6 workers, you need one unit under OSHA 1926.51. Buying one sounds cheaper until you add the hidden costs of self-servicing. You must buy a holding tank pump, which is not a standard shop vac, and pay waste disposal fees at a treatment plant that accepts septage, many do not take loads from unlicensed haulers. You also need to buy deodorizer in bulk and handle weekly cleaning. A rental company includes all that in the monthly rental rate, plus they cover repairs if the unit gets damaged. Your site has good truck access and level ground, so you won't pay extra for difficult placement. Long-term rentals often get a lower rate per month. Self-service seems simple but isn't, you're dealing with regulated waste, not just a dirty bucket.

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