The Ultimate Guide to Portable Restrooms
Restroom placement might not seem so strategic, but get it wrong and you’ll hear about it—fast. Nothing sours all the festival feels like mile-long bathroom lines and upset guests doing the pee-pee dance. Smart placement keeps things moving, keeps guests smiling, and keeps you from becoming the “bathroom blunder” story everyone shares on social media.
Start by identifying high-traffic areas: near food vendors, beverage stations, and main stages. Placing portable restrooms within easy reach of these spots ensures guests won’t have to embark on a quest when nature calls. But don’t cluster all the units in one area; spreading them out helps distribute foot traffic and reduces wait times.
Accessibility is key. Ensure that handicap-accessible units are placed on level ground with clear pathways, accommodating all guests comfortably. And remember, service trucks need access too. Position units within 35 feet of a service vehicle’s reach to facilitate maintenance without disrupting the festivities.
Places to avoid setting up portable restrooms? Seating areas or food lines. That’s not exactly the backdrop you want for the gourmet taco truck.
Ah, the golden question—and one that’s often underestimated. When it comes to festivals, “just a few” units might not cut it. Fortunately, The Throne Depot’s Event Planning Guide offers a foolproof formula to get it right.
The general rule? One restroom per 50 guests for events up to four hours. BUT—and this is a big BUT—most festivals run longer and include food and drinks, so you’ll want to bump that number up accordingly. If alcohol is involved, you’ll need 15–20% more units to keep lines short and guests happy. Because nothing kills a buzz faster than waiting 25 minutes for a bathroom.
Hosting an all-day or multi-day festival? Make room for additional servicing or extra portable restrooms to stay ahead of the demand.
Still not sure what you need? No problem. The Throne Depot team can run the numbers for you, factoring in everything from your guest list to your event length. It’s planning made easy—no math degree required.
A successful restroom setup isn’t just about quantity—it’s about variety. For large festivals, you’ll want a healthy mix of premium portable toilets, Handicap-accessible units, and handwashing stations.
Portable toilet units are the go-to for general use and are especially popular with guys who aren’t too picky. But when your crowd includes families, kids, or elderly attendees, ADA-compliant restrooms are a must—not just for compliance, but for comfort. These larger units offer extra space, making them ideal for parents helping young kids or for guests who simply appreciate a little elbow room.
And while hand sanitizer does the job in a pinch, handwashing stations elevate the whole experience. Add at least one for every four to six restrooms, and your festival guests will notice you’ve gone the extra mile for hygiene!
“Throne Depot was great! So pleasant to work with. Our attendant was kind and friendly to our festival guests. The price was right and service outstanding. I will for sure use them again next year!” – Jennifer C. Claws & Country Music Festival
Here’s where the planning gets fun. Do you go all-out with restroom trailers, or keep it classic with event units? The answer depends on your budget and your crowd.
Some events, like Boston Pride or outdoor concerts, go hybrid. Portable toilets are spread throughout the grounds, while restroom trailers are reserved for VIPs or performers. You’ll also see standard units for the general public at The New England Free Jacks, but they offer upgraded restroom trailers to VIP ticket holders in their private lounge area.
Bottom line: a little restroom luxury can be a big incentive for higher-tier tickets—and a lifesaver for your performers.
At The Throne Depot, we know a great event hinges on the details—including the not-so-sexy ones like portable restrooms. With decades of experience supporting festivals, parades, concerts, and outdoor gatherings of all shapes and sizes, we’ve mastered the art of keeping things clean, comfortable, and crowd-friendly.
From setup to servicing, we help you plan the perfect restroom experience for your guests—whether that means dozens of portable toilet rentals or a luxury restroom trailer or two with AC and Bluetooth speakers. We’ll help with logistics, placement, unit variety, and even those tricky questions about timing and flow.
Ready to plan a festival that hits every note—even in the bathroom department? Request a quote today or explore our wide range of portable restrooms on our website. Because when the restrooms are right, the crowd stays happy, and the only thing overflowing is the fun.
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