The Do’s and Don’ts of Restroom Rentals for Large Festivals and Outdoor Events
Planning a large festival or outdoor event? You’ve probably thought about the entertainment, vendors, and logistics—but have you considered the behind-the-scenes-MVP of event planning? That’s right—restroom rentals. Getting this right can make a huge difference in the guest experience. Neglecting it? Well, let’s just say that nothing sours an event faster than long restroom lines and less-than-pleasant facilities. To keep your festival fresh and functional, here’s a practical guide for event planners to the do’s and don’ts of restroom rentals for large-scale events.
DO: Plan for the Right Number of Restrooms
One of the most common mistakes event planners make is underestimating restroom needs. The number of units you’ll need depends on guest count, event length, and whether food and alcohol are served. A general rule is one unit per 50 guests for a four-hour event without food and drinks. If alcohol is involved, restroom usage increases by 20%, so additional units are necessary. For multi-day events, servicing and restocking should be factored in to maintain cleanliness. Consider an example where an event has 800 attendees, lasts seven hours, and serves alcohol—this setup would require at least 11 units to keep things running smoothly. Skimping on restrooms often leads to long lines, guest complaints, and sanitation issues that could have been easily avoided.
DON’T: Forget About Placement
Where you put your restroom rentals matters just as much as how many units you have. Stick them all in one spot, and you’ll have massive lines in some areas and ghost-town toilets in others. The key? Strategic placement. Restrooms should be near high-traffic zones like food vendors, beer gardens, and entrances/exits, but spread out enough to avoid congestion.
The smart thing to do is create “restroom zones”—clusters of units throughout the venue so no guest is left wandering in desperation. And don’t forget logistics! Units must be within 35 feet of a service truck’s access point for waste removal. Otherwise, you’ll have an event full of overflowing porta-potties—and trust us, no one wants that.
An even smarter thing to do—provide pictures or maps of the outdoor venue indicating exactly where the restroom rentals should go. If you are unsure where the best placement is, The Throne Depot’s customer service will work with you to determine the best place that’s not convenient and safe.
DON’T: Ignore Comfort & Accessibility
Nobody should have to brace themselves before stepping into a festival restroom rental. Comfort and accessibility matter, and a well-planned setup makes all the difference. A solid restroom rental plan should include a mix of standard units, ADA-compliant restrooms, and handwashing stations to keep things inclusive and convenient. The Throne Depot recommends that at least 5% of your rentals should be handicap-accessible—not just to comply with regulations, but to ensure that everyone at your event has a hassle-free experience.
Throwing a high-end event? Upgrade to luxury restroom trailers with flushing toilets, air conditioning, and full sinks. Your guests will thank you. And if families with kids are on the guest list, stock up on extra toilet paper and handwashing stations—trust us, they’ll need it. The goal? Restrooms that people actually want to use—not ones they avoid at all costs.
Whether you’re hosting a single-day festival or a weekend-long music extravaganza, partnering with the pros ensures everything runs smoothly—at least in the sanitation department. Because the last thing you want is your event making headlines for the wrong reasons.
DON’T: Wait Until the Last Minute
One of the biggest mistakes event planners make is waiting too long to book restroom rentals, only to find out the best units—and sometimes, any units—are already taken.
Restroom rentals, including high-quality units and luxury trailers, go fast, especially during peak event season. Locking in your rentals early means better options, smoother logistics, and no last-minute panic when you realize your only choices are subpar porta-potties (or worse, not any at all).
DO: Work with a Reliable Restroom Provider
Restroom rentals might not be the most exciting part of event planning but getting them right can make or break the guest experience. That’s why working with an experienced provider like The Throne Depot makes renting restrooms hassle-free. We don’t just drop off a few porta-potties and call it a day. We work closely with festival and outdoor event organizers to customize restroom solutions based on each venue’s unique needs.
“We had Throne Depot do a city contract for a very large month long event and we were super impressed with how they handled it. They were efficient, timely and flexible. This was not an easy job and they nailed it!” – Haunted Happenings, City of Salem
Why Choose The Throne Depot?
At The Throne Depot, we take pride in offering clean, high-quality restroom rentals tailored to event planners, festival boards, and outdoor event organizers. Our team understands the unique challenges that come with large-scale events and works closely with clients to ensure seamless restroom logistics. We’re even available by phone while the event is taking place to answer any questions.
Request a quote today, or explore the wide range of restroom solutions available on our website. Let us help make your festival or outdoor event clean, comfortable, and unforgettable!
