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Running a successful porta potty rental business means providing clean, well-maintained units that meet your customers’ needs. For many customers, this includes having ADA compliant portable toilets available.
So What exactly are ADA Compliant Porta Potties?
ADA stands for the Americans with Disabilities Act, which protects the rights of individuals with disabilities and requires businesses to provide accessible accommodations.
Providing ADA compliant porta potties allows your business to serve a wider customer base. It shows you care about inclusion and are committed to making your rentals usable for all people.
What Are the ADA Requirements for Portable Toilets?
The ADA has guidelines that apply to “fixed” or permanent toilet facilities and separate requirements for “portable” toilets like those rented for events and construction sites. Here are the key rules:
Clear Floor Space
There must be enough clear floor space inside the unit for a wheelchair user to maneuver and access the toilet. The minimum size is 60 inches by 60 inches. There is no limit for the maximum size.
Grab Bars
Grab bars must be installed on the rear wall and on the side wall closest to the toilet. The bars should be 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 inches in diameter and have at least 1-1/2 inches of space between the wall and bar.
Toilet Height
The toilet seat height should be 17 to 19 inches from the floor. This is the appropriate height for wheelchair transfers and it should have paper towels for use.
Door Size
The entry door should have a clear opening of at least 32 inches to accommodate wheelchairs and mobility devices.
Accessible Signage
Units must have the International Symbol of Accessibility on them to clearly identify them as ADA compliant.
Types of ADA Compliant Portable Toilets
There are a few different varieties of ADA portable toilets to choose from for your rental fleet:
Standard ADA Stalls
These units provide the required 60″ x 60″ interior space with grab bars and an accessible toilet height. The entry door is at least 32″ wide. They often use molded fiberglass materials that make cleaning and maintenance easy.
Wheelchair Accessible ADA Stalls
These porta potties have extra interior space and a larger door width to comfortably accommodate wheelchairs. Some models have a 60″ turning radius.
Ambulatory ADA Stalls
Designed for people who need assistance walking but don’t use wheelchairs. They have grab bars, high toilet seats, and ramps for entry access.
Companion ADA Stalls
These units have space for a disabled person and companion. They contain two toilets side-by-side with grab bars for each fixture.
How Many ADA Portable Toilets Should You Offer?
The number of ADA porta potties you need to provide depends on the size of the event or project you are renting toilets for.
The table below shows ADA requirements based on the number of fixed toilets at an event:
| Fixed Toilets Provided | Minimum Required ADA Units |
|---|---|
| 1-25 | 1 |
| 26-50 | 2 |
| 51-75 | 3 |
| 76-100 | 4 |
| 101-150 | 5 |
| 151-200 | 6 |
| 201-300 | 7 |
| 301-400 | 8 |
| 401-500 | 9 |
So for example, if an event has 75 total non-ADA toilets, at least 3 must be ADA compliant porta potties.
These are the legally required minimums. You may wish to provide additional ADA stalls to improve accessibility, especially for large events. Discuss expected attendance and usage with clients to determine adequate numbers.
Placement and Accessibility Considerations
Providing enough ADA units is only half the battle. You also need to pay attention to placement and accessibility:
- ADA portable toilets should be in the same area as standard units. Don’t isolate them across the venue.
- They must be accessible via an ADA compliant route. The path should be at least 36″ wide and smooth, with no steps or steep slopes.
- Stalls should be positioned on a flat, stable surface with no obstructions around the entry door.
- Units should have at least 48″ clearance in front of entry doors for maneuvering wheelchairs.
- Companion stalls should be positioned to allow right or left side transfers.
- Accessible units should be priority serviced for cleaning, restocking, and maintenance issues.
With smart placement and servicing, your ADA porta potties will be conveniently usable for disabled attendees.
Going Above and Beyond ADA Requirements
The ADA guidelines set the minimum standards companies must meet. But you can exceed these rules to make your porta potties more accessible and build your reputation:
- Offer ADA units at every setup, regardless of the number of standard toilets.
- Get input from disability advocates on ideal stall layouts and features.
- Train staff on respectful, dignified service for assisting disabled customers.
- Provide a way for attendees to give discreet feedback on any accessibility concerns.
- Invest in higher-end ADA portable toilets with amenities like mirrors, sinks, lighting, and soap dispensers when possible.
- Advertise your expanded ADA offerings to attract more business.
By prioritizing meaningful inclusion, you make it easier for people with disabilities to attend events and access portable restrooms. This can set your business apart.
Ensuring Proper Maintenance of ADA Portable Toilets
Once you acquire ADA compliant porta potties, ongoing maintenance is crucial. Issues like equipment damage, supply shortages, or lack of cleaning will render them unusable.
- Conduct thorough cleaning and restocking at least daily.
- Check grab bars regularly to ensure they are secure.
- Confirm door openings provide the full 32″ clearance needed.
- Make sure accessible signs remain properly posted and visible.
- Respond immediately to any maintenance requests or complaints.
You want attendees to have a positive experience. Consistent upkeep means your ADA stalls are ready for use at all times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How much extra do ADA portable toilets cost compared to regular units?
Ans: ADA compliant porta potties are more expensive than standard stalls due to their specialized design features. Expect to pay 20-50% more for accessible units.
Q2: Should ADA units be included in the total toilet counts for an event?
Ans: Yes, ADA portable toilets should be counted just like general toilets when determining the right amount of units needed for an event. The ADA requirements are there to supplement, not reduce, the total facilities provided.
Q3: Can ADA stalls be used by non-disabled people if open?
Ans: ADA porta potties are allowed to be used by any attendee at an event, just like standard units. The ADA requires they be made available for disabled access, but no one is prohibited from utilizing them.
