Types of toilets: What is the right choice for you?

It’s a common misconception that portable toilets are all the same. In fact, there are many portable toilet types to be aware of. When you’re looking for the right facilities, you’ll want to know about the different types and which is best for you. Below, we run through the different types of portable toilets. Plus, their features, advantages and disadvantages.

Standard Portable Toilet

Description

A standard portable toilet refers to a single, self-contained unit that can be used by one person at a time. It uses a chemical flushing system, where waste is broken down in a holding tank to minimise odours.

Features

In a standard portable toilet, you’ll find a toilet with a seat, plus a sink for hand washing. You can also expect toilet rolls and hand soap from most providers.

Ideal for

Construction sites with separate facilities for hot water. They’re also suitable for casual events. They offer a hygienic, no-frills environment when nature calls.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Pro – A cost-effective, hygienic solution for work or leisure environments.
• Con – No hot water or luxury extras.

Hot Wash Site Toilet

Description

Hot wash toilets are the same as standard ones with the addition of hot water. Each unit can be used by one person at a time with a chemical flush and holding tank.

Features

Each unit has a seated toilet and sinks with hot water for HSE-compliant hand washing.

Ideal for

Construction sites where there is no nearby access to hot water. Or events where you want to provide that extra touch of comfort and hygiene.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Pro – Encourages better hygiene and doesn’t require separate hot-water facilities.
• Con – Not suitable for sites without a 110v power supply.

Mains Connected Portable Toilet

Description

A mains-connected portable toilet is connected to your mains water access. This provides full flushing functionality with no need for emptying or water replenishment.

Features

Mains water access with a standard toilet and sink, as found in an office or house.

Ideal for

Busy construction sites or events where heavy use is anticipated.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Pro – Less maintenance with no need for emptying or water replenishment.
• Con – Unsuitable for remote locations without mains water access.

Accessible Toilet

Description

Accessible toilets allow you to cater for disabled guests or employees. They’re larger with a few extra facilities than standard portable toilet types.

Features

A larger door allows for wheelchair access. Inside, units have handholds to assist with mobility. That includes moving around, sitting down, and standing up.

Ideal for

Any event where disabled guests are or may be attending. Or construction sites where disabled employees are working.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Pro – Caters for disabled guests or employees.
• Con – Takes up more space than standard portable toilets. For larger sites or events, a combination of accessible and standard units is often best.

Compost Portable Toilet

Description

Compost portable toilets are water and chemical-free. Waste is collected for eco-friendly disposal.

Features

Compost toilets can be as small as 5L in capacity. Some units separate water and liquid too.

Ideal for

Small eco-friendly events or campsites where infrequent use is required.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Pro – The most eco-friendly portable toilet type.
• Con – High-maintenance and bad odours.

Long Drop Portable Toilet

Description

Also known as a pit latrine, this portable toilet type is characterised by a long drop underneath. A toilet opening and seat are positioned above the drop, gradually filling up over time.

Features

Basic toilet unit with a seat above a dug pit or large container – generally 10 feet deep.

Ideal for

Larger eco-friendly events where frequent use is expected.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Pro – Eco-friendly toilet with compostable waste and less maintenance.
• Con – Bad odour due to waste building up. May also require digging on-site for the pit.

Baby Change Portable Toilets

Description

These portable toilets have space and facilities to change a baby’s nappy.

Features

Baby changing surface and nappy bins with soap dispensers and sufficient lighting. Not to mention the toilet itself.

Ideal for

Child-friendly events such as food festivals or funfairs.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Pro – Safe, hygienic, and well-lit space for parents to tend to their baby’s needs.
• Con – Larger than standard units. A combination of portable toilet types is best to save on space.

Portable Toilet Cabin

Description

A portable toilet cabin is a stationary unit with two or more toilets inside.

Features

Features can vary, including:

• Multiple self-contained toilet units, each with their own sink
• Multiple cubicles with a shared sink area
• A combination of cubicles and urinals with a shared sink area

Ideal for

Long-term projects or semi-permanent locations like spring to autumn campsites.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Pro – More spacious than a standard portable toilet and typically more aesthetically pleasing.
• Con – Harder to install and remove due to larger size.

Luxury Toilet Trailer

Description

Luxury toilet trailers are the most high-end portable toilets. They’re constructed from premium materials with more space and convenient extras.

Features

Mirrors, hand lotions and attractive finishes come as standard. That’s paired with hot water, LED lighting, and high-quality toilets and sinks. You can also choose from a range of configurations, including:

• Separate male and female areas, each with one cubicle and one sink
• Two cubicles for females, with one male cubicle plus two urinals – each with two sinks
• Three female cubicles, with one male cubicle plus three urinals – each with two sinks

Ideal for

Classy events like weddings and corporate gatherings, where luxury is essential.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Pro – Quite simply, this toilet provides the most luxurious experience for your guests.
• Con – More expensive than other portable toilet types. They also require both mains water access and a power supply.

Portable Urinal

Description

These small, lightweight units feature multiple urinals for quick, hygienic use.

Features

A high number of urinals in a small, compact unit.

Ideal for

Sites with limited space and events with lots of male attendees.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Pro – Reduces queuing at sports events and festivals.
• Con – Not suitable for females and requires privacy fencing.

Welfare Unit

Description

Welfare units provide everything employees need on-site. They facilitate washing, relaxing, eating and answering the call of nature.

Features

A typical welfare unit features hotwash shower facilities with a chemical toilet. There’s space to dine or just sit. A kettle and microwave are standard for food preparation. There’s also soap and toilet roll for the shower and toilet.

Ideal for

Construction sites where permanent welfare facilities aren’t available.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Pro – Keeps employees at their best and meets HSE requirements.
• Con – Requires regular cleaning to keep facilities at their best. 

Factors to consider when choosing the best portable toilet for you

Purpose

The most important factor to consider is purpose. If you require welfare facilities to be HSE-compliant, this is non-negotiable. The same is true for accessible toilets for disabled guests.

Capacity

Next, there’s capacity. Will a single portable toilet suffice, or would a trailer be a better fit? Use the calculators on our event hire and construction hire pages to determine your needs.

Size and weight

Space-saving units like urinals may be necessary if capacity and space don’t measure up. On the flip side, you might want more space inside the toilets. In that case, luxury trailers or toilet cabins are a good fit.

Durability

Don’t forget durability. Will your toilets stand the test of time? And will they stay safe and pleasant? Cleaning and maintenance services can help in this respect.

Rental cost

Last but not least is the cost. Basic facilities might be best if you’re working on a strict budget. Alternatively, you might be happy to pay a little more to keep guests or workers happy.

Conclusion

There is a wide range of portable toilet types to suit every requirement. You can find something to fit, from small self-contained units to luxury trailers. As well as costs, remember to factor in the quality on offer and any existing facilities. Don’t forget additional services like cleaning, fencing, and tank emptying too.

LetLoos offers a comprehensive selection of portable toilet units and services. Our team is on hand to build a bespoke package that fulfills all your needs. We can then take care of installation, maintenance, and removal. So you can sit back and relax while we keep your guests or staff happy.

Leo Sharp

Content writer and researcher at LetLoos