Portable toilet

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A line of portable toilets.

Inside view of a portable toilet. Baghdad, Iraq (April 2005).

A portable toilet, also known as a 'porta-potty', is a modern, portable, self-contained outhouse manufactured of molded plastic in a variety of colors and are often used as a temporary toilet for construction sites and large social gatherings. Portable toilets are referred to colloquially or sold under such brands as port-a-john, port-o-let, sani-privy, port-a-san, porta-potty, tidy john, John To Go, toi-toi, shit-shack, porta-kybo.

Portable toilets are large enough for a single occupant - usually about 90 cm (3 ft) on a side by 210 cm (7 ft). They are held upright by the weight of the deodorant liquid in the holding tank at the bottom but are usually secured to the ground to prevent high winds blowing them over. Some include both a seated toilet and a urinal. Most include lockable doors, ventilation near the top, and a stovepipe vent for the holding tank. Leaving the toilet lid open will reverse the flow of the venting of the tank. Some newer models include toilet paper or, occasionally, antibacterial hand gel dispensers.

Though more expensive than a standard permanent outdoor latrine, portable toilets have several significant benefits mostly related to their portability. They are rented to customers by companies that guarantee their cleanliness, and so as a rule are drained, cleaned, disinfected and deodorized on a regular basis. As they are not plumbed, they do not clog. A single portable toilet can be hauled in the back of a pick-up truck. An average portable toilet is able to hold enough sewage for 10 people during the course of a 40 hour work week before the hold reaches unsanitary conditions.

They are frequently seen at outdoor work sites, particularly construction sites, and large banks of dozens of portable toilets allow for ready sanitation at large gatherings such as outdoor music festivals.

It has become common for portable toilets to be paired with hand sanitizer or a portable hand washing station. These stations provide a foot pump to dispense water to wash one's hands after using the toilets. Soap and towels may be provided.

The Portable Sanitation Association International is the recognized authority on the operation of portable toilets.

In the United Kingdom the Trade Association representing operators of Portable Sanitation units is "PSE" (Portable Sanitation Europe. PSE also has a number of European members and works closely with similar trade organisations worldwide. PSE has a close working relationship with Government departments such as the Health and Safety Executive and Department of the Environment to improve stands of cleanliness, hygiene and promote good practice by its members. Unique to the PSE is its members award scheme. Presently members are able to qualify for a Gold Award after completing a stringent set of assessments set by PSE.

Most portable toilets are rented for construction sites and special events in the USA, while there are portable rental companies in almost every area, the largest in the USA are Mr. John, United Site Services and John To Go, Inc.