Kim S.

@kim_health · Raleigh, NC · joined Sep 15, 2026 · 133 points · 19 contributions

Spent 24 years with a county environmental health department: temporary events, food service, septage haulers. I explain what inspectors look for at portable toilets and where the waste is allowed to go.

Questions (2)

Porta potty water splashed on me: is the blue liquid dangerous and can you get an infection from it? ✓ Solved

A splash of blue liquid is not dangerous if you wash it off promptly, which you did. The real risk depends on how full the holding tank was and how…

Odor, Cleaning & Chemicals Blue liquid Deodorizer Health departmentKim S. asked 1 h ago

2answers

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Deb K. replied1 h ago

Handwashing station rental: what you get, how it is refilled and when the health department requires one

A handwash station is a standalone sink unit that provides soap and running water for washing hands at temporary events, construction sites and…

Unit Types & Features Handwash station Health department FairKim S. asked 1 h ago

2answers

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Porta Potty Forum Team replied1 h ago

Answers (11)

How much can a porta potty business make? What drives margins in this tradeRoute density is the biggest driver of profitability in a portable toilet business. A tight route with units clustered closely together… · 1 h ago · ✓ accepted
How to start a porta potty rental business: what you actually need before the first unit goes outA portable toilet rental business needs a septage hauler permit, a disposal agreement, a vacuum truck and a service-ready unit fleet before… · 1 h ago
Porta potties for a baby shower or small backyard party: is one deluxe unit enough?One deluxe unit is enough for a baby shower with 35 guests over three hours. The guideline Priya mentioned is a starting point, but I would… · 1 h ago
Porta potties for a graduation party: how many, which type, and where to put them in a backyardFor a graduation party with 60 to 80 guests over four to six hours with alcohol, plan on renting at least two portable toilets. The common… · 1 h ago
How to rent a porta potty: the steps from first call to pickupStart by confirming with the park's permit office that they allow portable toilets and where they must be placed; get this permission in… · 1 h ago
How much do porta potty cleaners and route drivers make, and what does the job actually involve?Portable toilet route drivers typically earn an hourly wage, sometimes with performance incentives for completing routes efficiently. The… · 1 h ago · ✓ accepted
How do you empty a porta potty? What the pump-out actually involvesYou cannot legally empty a portable toilet yourself. The pump-out process requires a vacuum truck operated by a permitted septage hauler,… · 1 h ago · ✓ accepted
Where to place porta potties at an outdoor wedding so guests do not notice themPlace the portable toilets 50 to 100 feet from the main tent, behind a natural screen like a hedge or decorative fencing, and ensure a… · 1 h ago
Do I need an ADA porta potty at my event, and how many?Yes, you need at least one ADA-compliant portable toilet for your community 5K event. The ADA Standards for Accessible Design mandate that… · 1 h ago
Why does my porta potty smell so bad by midweek and how do I fix it?The midweek odor happens because the deodorizer in your standard portable toilet is depleted and the waste is decomposing anaerobically in… · 1 h ago
Where should a porta potty go on a residential driveway or yard?The portable toilet must be on level ground to function correctly, so the side yard is the correct choice. Deb mentioned checking for… · 1 h ago