Whether you are setting up a construction site or planning a sizeable business or family gathering, renting portable toilets is often a must-have on your event to-do list. The larger the gatherings, whether for work or play, the more comfort stations you'll need. Portable toilet rentals are also a necessity in times of natural or man-made disasters. The type of comfort station needed may also be determined by the situation at hand. Below are three of the most common portable toilet rental options.

Basic Portable Toilet Rentals—Porta Potties

The portable toilets that you may be most familiar with are the Porta Potties. These are individual units about the size of a small closet, or if your memory goes that far back, an enclosed telephone booth. All have a toilet with a chemical waste tank, some also have urinals and/or hand sanitizer dispensers. A vent pipe from the tank helps dispel the odors as does the ventilation opening in the top of the portable toilet.

A locking door insures privacy. Updated models sometimes come with separate hand washing stations with a foot pump that dispenses the water. The benefit of these portable toilets is that they can fit almost anywhere. They are ideal for short-term construction projects that are just too far away from typical restrooms.

Another plus is that you can add as many of these portable toilets as you need, which is helpful at large events. They are delivered and picked up by truck so it's just a matter of figuring out how many to order and where to place them. Even though some firms use their own color schemes, the most common color is a bright, bold blue.

It's also possible to order white or off white portable toilets that are more suitable for an outdoor wedding or other celebratory events. Some of these fall in the deluxe or luxury category and typically have a flush-able toilet as well as a sink for hand washing. Larger luxury portable toilet trailers are described below.

Portable Comfort Station Trailers—ADA Accessible Options

The larger luxury portable toilets are often called restroom trailers or portable comfort stations. Rather than a series of Porta Potties being delivered on the back of a truck, these are self-standing trailers that are simply pulled into place and set up. The men's side usually has a mixture of toilets and urinals, while the women's restroom has toilet stalls. Both of the well-labeled sides have sinks with hot running water, usually one for the guys and two for the gals.

The portable comfort stations have air conditioning, heat and light. They require connections to water and power. Typically these models have large-capacity holding tanks. These larger comfort stations are ideal for long term construction projects, film locations and special events that require a more upgraded product.

Some of these trailer comfort stations are set up for the physically challenged and are Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA approved. That means the sinks and toilets are at a more convenient height, handrails are installed and the actual space is a bit larger for better maneuverability. Access ramps are installed instead of or in addition to stairs.

Portable Restrooms for Emergency Situations

Portable restrooms are life savers when it comes to helping people that are dealing with the aftermath of natural or man-made disasters. Rental firms may deliver portable toilets, restroom trailers and shower trailers to areas dealing with floods, tornadoes and the aftermath of severe snow storms. Portable toilets and comfort stations also played a big part in the aftermath of hurricanes Katrina, Gustav and Ike. Special trailers with laundry facilities also made an appearance. 

Temporary fencing is sometimes provided, especially if the portable toilets are going to be onsite for any length of time. In major disasters these portable comfort stations may become part of emergency shelters that house large numbers of people that have been displaced.