Porta potties might not be anyone’s favorite topic, but they’re a necessary part of outdoor events, construction sites, and festivals.
Porta potties offer convenience when an indoor restroom isn’t an option. But that convenience can turn into a nightmare when people don’t follow basic hygiene and etiquette.
Unlike regular bathrooms, porta potties rely on users to keep them in decent condition. A little consideration goes a long way in making sure they stay usable for the next person.
Here are the essential do’s and don’ts of porta potty use.
The Do’s of Using a Porta Potty
Do Use It for Its Intended Purpose
It sounds obvious, but let’s just get this out of the way. A porta potty is for bathroom use, not trash disposal, food storage, or anything remotely questionable.
You wouldn’t believe the things people try to flush. If it’s not toilet paper or human waste, it doesn’t belong in there.
Do Close the Lid Before Flushing
Some porta potties have a flushing mechanism or a cover over the waste tank. If there’s a lid, put it down before you flush.
Closing the lid before flushing helps contain odors and prevents the water from splashing back.
Do Wash or Sanitize Your Hands
Most porta potties come with a handwashing station or at least a sanitizer dispenser. Use it.
If neither is available, carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer with you. Festivals and events are already packed with all kinds of germs – you don’t need to contribute to the spread.
Do Notify Staff If There’s an Issue
If the porta potty is out of toilet paper, the hand sanitizer is empty, or – worst case – it’s overflowing, don’t just walk away.
Let the event staff or site managers know. The faster you do so, the quicker it gets fixed.
The Don’ts of Porta Potty Use
Don’t Hog the Stall
Porta potties aren’t the place for scrolling on your phone, redoing your makeup, or having deep conversations with yourself.
If there’s a line, be considerate and keep your visit short.
Don’t Throw Trash Inside
This cannot be stressed enough. Porta potties aren’t trash cans.
Don’t put wipes, diapers, food wrappers, or anything that isn’t meant to go down a toilet inside. If you leave trash sitting there, it will only make the cleaning crew’s job worse and the next user’s experience horrifying.
Don’t Leave a Mess
If you spill something, drop toilet paper everywhere, or make an absolute disaster of the place, at least attempt to clean up after yourself.
The next person shouldn’t have to walk into something that looks like it belongs on a crime scene investigation show.
Don’t Forget to Check for Toilet Paper First
It’s one of the worst feelings – getting comfortable, doing your business, and then realizing there’s no toilet paper.
Always do a quick check before doing anything.
Don’t Hold the Door Open for Too Long
Porta potties are not ventilated like indoor restrooms. This means that every second the door stays open, everything inside is unleashed onto the world.
Be kind to the people around you. Get in, do what you need to do, and get out quickly.
