Frequently Asked Questions about
Portable Toilet Rentals
Where does the waste go after it has been pumped?
How do you keep the water from freezing in the tanks in colder temperatures?
Am I required to have a portable toilet on my job site?
How far in advance do I need to reserve a portable toilet?
What is the frequency of service on my portable toilet?
What happens if my portable toilet gets tipped over?
What is the "damage waiver?"
What can be done if my unit is in an area of high wind or vandalism?
Does a portable restroom on my construction job site really cut down on expenses and time?
What are the guidelines for the ADA restrooms?
Where can you place my portable toilet?
How do you cut down on the odors and germs within the portable unit?
Q. Where does the waste go after it has been pumped?
The waste water is taken to local waste water facilities and disposed of according to the regulations, procedures and sanitary conditions required by the facilities.
Q. How do you keep the water from freezing in the tanks in colder temperatures?
United Site Services has experimented with several different ecologically friendly anti-freeze options to keep the water from freezing in the tanks during the winter months in northern locations. The anti-freeze is mixed in with the deodorizing water that is placed in the tank and works to keep the water fluid and unfrozen during the colder temperatures of the year. All products used are acceptable to our waste water facilities.
Q. Am I required to have a portable toilet on my job site?
Most city ordinances specifically spell out the requirement of a portable toilet on a construction site and inspectors will require that a portable toilet is ordered and either placed on site or on its way before approving the inspection. In addition, OSHA requires a portable toilet on a construction site under the Safety and Health Regulations for a Construction (1923.51 (c) (1), 1926.51 (c) (3), (I), (ii), (iii), (iv) ). For information regarding specific city or country ordinances contact the city where construction is occurring or your local United Site Services office.
Q. How far in advance do I need to reserve a portable toilet?
It is best to place your order for portable toilet service at least 48 hours in advance. For large requirements, a week or more lead time is advisable. We are often able to deliver toilets the same day for an extra delivery charge.
Q. What is the frequency of service on my portable toilet?
We service portable toilets once per week. This is done to keep the units fully stocked, clean and sanitized. The fee for the toilet includes the rental and once a week service. We can provide service more frequently if required.
Q. What happens if my portable toilet gets tipped over?
When a tip over of a portable toilet does occur we ask that our customers contact our office as soon as possible to report the incident. We will then dispatch a driver to come to the site and clean the unit or switch out the portable toilet with a replacement depending on the severity of the tip over.
Q. What is the "damage waiver?"
United Site Services has adopted a damage waiver program as another service to help reduce your exposure to damages when renting a portable toilet. The damage waiver is an optional provision, which will eliminate back charges for damages that occur as a result of accidents, vandalism or weather related problems.
This coverage protects you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You are covered for minor damage regardless of who caused the damage to the portable restroom. When you consider the costs for a replacement unit or equipment, the damage waiver is indeed a small price to eliminate the risk. Although the majority of our customers want the damage waiver, it is not mandatory. In order to decline this coverage, you must sign and return the damage waiver refusal that is sent with your invoice within 15 days of ordering the portable toilet or simply contact our office to decline the waiver.
By declining the waiver, you will of course, accept full responsibility for any damage other than normal wear and tear. United Site Services appreciates the opportunity to satisfy the many requests that have come from our valued customers and we recommend that you consider this new benefit which is now available to all of our customers.
Q. What can be done if my unit is in an area of high wind?
Upon request, United Site Services offers uniquely designed stakes that fit securely over the four skids on each side of the unit to anchor the unit securely to the ground, eliminating the problem of your portable restroom being tipped over in areas of high wind.
Q. Does a portable restroom on my construction job site really cut down on expenses and time?
By providing a portable restroom on your job site you can reduce the distance employees must travel to use a restroom as well as the time employees must spend searching for an alternative facility because no close restroom has been provided. The following chart was developed in a study conducted by the Portable Sanitation Association International (PSAI).
The annual cost of 10 minutes of wasted toilet time per employee, per day:
| Hourly Rate |
5 Employees |
10 Employees |
| $7.00 |
$1,487.50 |
$2,975.00 |
| $8.00 |
$1,670.00 |
$3,400.00 |
| $10.00 |
$2,125.00 |
$4,250.00 |
| $13.00 |
$2,762.50 |
$5,525.00 |
| $15.00 |
$3,187.50 |
$6,375.00 |
Formula: Hourly Rate divided by 60 Minutes Per Hour x 10 Minutes x Number of Employees
x 255 Days Per Year.
For more information regarding this study, please contact the Portable Sanitation Association International at 1-800-822-3020.
Q. What are the guidelines for the ADA restrooms?
United Site Services offers portable wheelchair restrooms that are ADA compliant for use on a construction site, commercial area, or special event. Our ADA units are large enough and obtain the proper elements to meet the standards that have been outlined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Specifically, the statute states that for single user portable toilets clustered at a single location, at least 5% but no less than one toilet unit shall be installed at each cluster whenever typical inaccessible units are provided. Accessible units shall also be identified by the International Symbol of Accessibility. The exception is that if portable toilet units are used exclusively by construction personnel who to not require the use of an ADA unit, you are not required to comply with this statute. (Federal Register/Vol. 56, No. 144/July 26, 1991/ Rules and Regulations/ 4.1.2 Accessible Site and Exterior Facilities: New Construction). For the complete set of ADA guidelines relating to portable restrooms, please contact our office or view our Regulations page.
Q. Where can you place my portable toilet?
We will place your portable toilet(s) at your event or on your job site per your instruction. We will make every reasonable attempt to accommodate your wishes as to placement on the portable unit. However, we will relocate the unit or notify you if it becomes necessary so that is readily accessible for servicing. This ensures that our trucks, employees and equipment are not in danger or at risk.
Q. How do you cut down on the odors and germs within the portable unit?
United Site Services not only pumps out the holding tank and cleans the inner bowl of the unit but also provides meticulous janitorial service both inside and out. Our employees clean and sanitize the portable restrooms at each service which includes washing with soap and water. We also provide a special detergent in the water, which acts not only as a sanitizer but deodorizer as well to keep the unit smelling great while reducing exposure to germs.
