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Why does our porta potty smell fine after service but foul by the next afternoon?

Hector V.asked 3 viewsOdor, Cleaning & ChemicalsOdorDeodorizerService frequencyVent stackStandard unit

We have a crew of 35 on a commercial site in Phoenix, and we're running into a smell issue with our standard portable toilets. The rental company services them every Tuesday morning. They pump the holding tank, refill the deodorizer, restock the paper, and wipe down the interior. The units smell fresh when they leave. But by Wednesday afternoon, especially in this 110-degree heat, the odor is already foul. It's not just one unit; it's all four of them. They're placed on level dirt, and the vacuum truck has no problem reaching them. I've checked, and the vent stacks are clear. Is the weekly service frequency just not enough for Phoenix summers? Should I be asking for a different type of deodorizer?

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Deb K.Akron, OH

The weekly service frequency is not enough for a crew of 35 in 110-degree Phoenix heat. Heat accelerates bacterial growth in the holding tank, which causes the odor to return quickly. A standard deodorizer can only mask the smell for so long before the waste breaks down and overpowers it.

Weekly service is the industry norm for moderate use in temperate climates. Your situation requires more frequent service. For a crew of 35, you have the correct number of units according to the OSHA standard for 16 to 35 employees, but the extreme heat demands a change in the maintenance schedule. I would ask the rental company to increase the service frequency to twice a week during the summer. This will prevent the waste from building up and producing the foul odor by Wednesday afternoon. The rental cost will be higher due to the additional service visits, but it is the direct solution to the problem.

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