Portable toilets work in fields, gardens, car parks and building sites. But a poor spot can cause real trouble on the day. A unit on soft ground can tilt. A unit in a blocked lane can't be serviced. A unit in the wrong place can upset your neighbours or your guests.
The good news is that seven quick checks sort out most problems. Do them before you hire portable toilets and you'll save yourself a stressful phone call later.
1. Is the ground firm and level?
Start here. It matters more than anything else.
A toilet needs firm, flat ground. On a slope, the unit can lean, the door may not close properly, and it is harder to service. Soft ground is a problem too, especially after rain.
Walk the spot and press your foot into the ground. If it feels spongy, it will be worse on the day. Think about the weather in the days before your event, not just on the day you book.
Hard surfaces like concrete and tarmac are usually the safest. Grass and gravel can work well if they are firm and dry.
2. Can the delivery and servicing vehicle reach it?
This is the check people forget most often.
A toilet isn't reached just once. Someone has to deliver it, service it, and collect it. That means the vehicle needs a clear way in and a safe place to stop.
Look at your route with a driver's eye:
- Is the gate wide enough?
- Are there low branches, cables or tight corners?
- Could a parked car, skip or pile of materials block the way later in the week?
If the only route is narrow, steep or muddy, tell us when you book. A spot a few metres away is sometimes much easier to reach.
3. Do you have permission?
On your own land, you usually don't need anything special. If the land belongs to someone else, ask the landowner or venue first. A quick message before booking avoids awkward conversations later.
Public land is different. If the toilet would sit on a pavement, a road, or a council-run park, ask your local council first. A toilet must never block a public path.
Rules can vary from place to place. If you're unsure, check with your council or the venue.
4. Is it far enough from food, water and homes?
A toilet should be easy to find, but it shouldn't be right next to everything.
Keep it away from food preparation and serving areas. At events, give the caterers their own space. At home, avoid placing it close to open windows, seating areas or your neighbour's fence.
On farms and open land, keep toilets away from streams, ditches, drains and wells. Our units are self-contained, but a spill near water is a serious problem. It is better to choose a safer spot from the start.
5. Is there enough room around it?
You need more space than the toilet itself.
The door must open fully. People also need room to queue, and a clear way in and out. At busy events, queues build up quickly, so don't squeeze units into a tight corner.
Keep units away from:
- Fire exits and emergency routes
- Vehicle routes and machinery
- Trenches, holes and stored materials
- Busy walkways
On a building site, check the position again as the job changes. A safe spot in week one may not be safe in week six. If you're also planning staff facilities, our guide to mobile welfare units and portable toilets can help you decide what you need.
6. Can people find it and reach it safely?
A toilet that is hard to reach is a toilet nobody wants to use.
Pick a spot with a firm, dry path. Make sure people can find it without wandering through mud or across a car park. If your event runs into the evening, add lights and clear signs. A spot that is easy to see at 2pm can be hard to find at 9pm.
Think about everyone who will use it. If you have guests with limited mobility, the path matters as much as the toilet. A step-free, level route makes a big difference. Planning an event? Our event toilet hire page explains what we can supply.
7. What will the weather do?
Weather changes a good spot into a bad one.
Rain turns grass into mud. Strong wind can push an exposed unit over. Cold weather brings its own problems. Look at the forecast a few days before delivery, and tell us if conditions look rough.
Shelter helps. A spot beside a building or hedge can protect a unit from the wind, as long as the door, vents and servicing route stay clear.
What to tell your hire company before you book
You don't need a site plan. A few simple details help us get it right first time:
- The address or postcode, and any tricky access
- The type of ground (grass, gravel, tarmac, concrete)
- The width of the gate or lane
- Where you'd like the unit to go
- The dates and how many people will use it
If you are not sure about a spot, just ask. It is much easier to fix a plan before delivery than on the day.
Frequently asked questions
Can you put a portable toilet on grass?
Yes, if the grass is firm, dry and fairly level. The risk is rain. Wet grass turns soft and muddy, which makes the unit harder to reach and service. If wet weather is forecast, let your hire company know.
Can you put a portable toilet on a slope?
Try to avoid it. A unit on a slope can lean, and the door may not work properly. A flatter spot nearby is usually a better choice.
Do you need permission to put a portable toilet on your land?
On your own private land, you usually don't. If the land belongs to someone else, get the owner's agreement first. If the toilet would be on a road, pavement or council land, speak to your local council.
Can I move a portable toilet myself?
Please don't. Units are heavy and can be damaged or cause injury if moved the wrong way. Call us and we'll move it safely.
Not sure if your spot will work?
Every site is different. A field, a garden, a car park and a building site each need a slightly different plan.
Tell us about your site and we'll help you choose a good position before delivery. Call our team on 01743 630123, or find out more about our Long Term Portable Toilet and toilet servicing.