Planning guide
Keeping a Porta Potty Fresh in Summer Heat
Montgomery County summers run hot and humid, and heat speeds up odor. Five steps keep a unit fresh from June through September.
Why do porta potties smell more in summer?
Porta potties smell more in summer because heat speeds up bacteria in the tank and warms the air inside the unit. A unit in full sun can be 20°F hotter inside than in shade. Odor rises fastest when the tank is more than half full.
Five ways to keep it fresh
Shade, more frequent service, airflow, a closed lid and keeping trash out of the tank cut summer odor more than anything else. Twice-weekly service is the biggest single fix for busy jobsites in July and August. A unit used by 10 or more people a day in heat should not wait a full week.
- Shade itPlace it under a tree line or on the north side of a building.
- Service more oftenMove busy units to twice-weekly service in July and August.
- Let air moveKeep roof vents clear and the door facing the breeze.
- Close the lidAsk users to close the seat lid and the door.
- Keep trash outBottles and wrappers in the tank slow the pump-out and hold odor.
Heat and events
For summer events, place porta potties downwind and 30 to 50 feet from food, and add a hand wash station. For weddings in July and August, an air-conditioned restroom trailer keeps guests comfortable. Book a mid-event refresh for any event that runs longer than 6 hours in the heat.
See wedding restrooms.
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