When hosting an event or running a construction site one of the most important things to consider is toilet facilities. Portable toilets are the answer to making sure your attendees or workers have clean, convenient and compliant toilets. But choosing the right portable toilet hire company can be a minefield.

This guide will help you through the process by pointing out what to look for when choosing a portable toilet hire company.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. Types of Portable Toilets

3. What to Look for When Choosing a Portable Toilet Hire Company

• Reputation and Reviews

• Range of Services

• Quality and Cleanliness of Units

• Compliance with Regulations

• Availability and Flexibility

• Customer Service

• Pricing and Contracts

4. Events and Construction Sites

5. Common Mistakes to Avoid

6. Conclusion

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Selecting a portable toilet hire company

1. Introduction

Whether you’re hosting an event or running a construction site one of the most important things to consider is toilet facilities. A good portable toilet hire company can provide a range of units to suit your needs but the service can vary greatly between providers. This guide will help you make the right decision by pointing out what to look for when choosing a portable toilet hire company.

2. Types of Portable Toilets

Before we get into what to look for when choosing a hire company let’s first look at the types of portable toilets:

• Standard Portable Toilets: Basic units with a toilet seat and waste tank, for most situations.

• Flushable Portable Toilets: With a flushing mechanism and a sink, for a more comfortable experience.

• Luxury Portable Toilets: Used at high end events these units have lighting, mirrors and even air conditioning.

• Disabled Access Toilets: Larger units for people with disabilities.

• Urinals: Separate units to reduce wait times and for large crowds.

Knowing the different types of toilets will help you work out what you need and if a company can supply that.

3. What to Look for When Choosing a Portable Toilet Hire Company

Reputation and Reviews

First things first is the reputation of the company. Look for companies with a good history and positive reviews. You can find reviews on the company’s website, social media or third-party review sites. Look out for comments about punctuality, cleanliness, customer service and overall satisfaction.

Range of Services

A good portable toilet hire company should offer more than just the units. These services may include:

• Delivery and Setup: Units delivered on time and in the right place.

• Regular Servicing and Maintenance: Scheduled cleaning and waste removal.

• Emergency Services: Emergency maintenance or extra units if needed.

The more services the better for you.

Quality and Cleanliness of Units

The condition of the portable toilets is key. A good company should supply clean, well maintained and odour free units. Ask how often the units are cleaned and how they are sanitised. Also ask about the age of the units; newer units are generally better and have more modern amenities.

Compliance with Regulations

Portable toilets must comply with health and safety regulations including the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 in the UK. Make sure the company comply with:

• Handwashing facilities.

• Toilets are accessible for disabled users.

• Waste disposal in line with environmental regulations.

A good company will be able to supply documentation or certificates to prove compliance.

Availability and Flexibility

Consider the company’s availability and flexibility especially if your event or project has specific timing. A good company should:

• Deliver and set up at your requested time.

• Flexible hire periods, whether you need the units for a day, a week or longer.

• Have enough stock to supply large events or projects without compromising on quality or service.

Customer Service

Good customer service is key when dealing with any hire company. The company should be easy to get in touch with and responsive to your needs. Look for the following in their customer service:

• Clear Communication: From initial enquiry to final collection, communication should be clear and professional.

• Support: They should be able to advise on the number and type of units you need for your event or site.

• Problem Resolution: If something goes wrong the company should sort it out quickly.

Pricing and Contracts

Pricing is always a consideration. But the cheapest is not always the best. Look for a company that has transparent pricing with no hidden extras. The cost should cover delivery, setup, maintenance and collection. Also:

• Get a detailed quote: Make sure all services are broken down.

• Read the contract: Understand the terms, including what happens in case of damage, cancellation policies and any penalties for late return.

• Get multiple quotes: Get quotes from different companies to see what the market rate is and what services are offered.

4. Special Considerations for Events and Construction Sites

Events

For events especially large ones:

• Guest Comfort: Higher end units may be more suitable for weddings or corporate events.

• Number of Units: Industry standard is one toilet per 50 guests for events over a few hours.

• Location: Make sure toilets are placed in a convenient location without detracting from the event.

Construction Sites

For construction sites:

• Durability: Units should be tough and able to withstand harsh conditions.

• Servicing Frequency: Depending on the number of workers, more frequent servicing may be required to keep the units hygienic.

• Compliance: Make sure the units meet the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) requirements for construction sites.

5. Common Mistakes to Avoid

When choosing a portable toilet hire company avoid:

• Ignoring Reviews: Don’t overlook customer feedback and get unpleasant surprises.

• Not considering all costs: Make sure you know the total cost including any extra charges.

• Underestimating Servicing: Maintenance is key; don’t underestimate this service.

6. Conclusion

Choosing the right portable toilet hire company is key to your event or construction site running smoothly. By considering reputation, services offered, unit quality, compliance and customer service you can make an informed decision that meets your needs and budget.

Take the time to research and get quotes, ask the right questions and make sure everything is covered in the contract. With planning you can ensure your sanitation needs are met and your project or event will be a success.

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