Event restroom planning
Event Calculator & Potty Tips
Estimate the right quantity, plan for your guests, and choose a safe, convenient placement before delivery day.
We’ve helped support thousands of events across Virginia.
Start with the numbers
How many portable toilets should you order?
Adjust attendance and event length for an industry-standard starting estimate, then use the planning factors below to refine it.
Interactive planning tool
Estimate your event restroom count
Adjust attendance and event length to see the industry-standard suggestion supplied by APT.
This is a planning estimate. Alcohol service, available permanent restrooms, accessibility needs, and peak traffic may increase the recommended quantity.
Adjust the estimate
Five questions that change the count
The calculator is a starting point. These event details determine whether you should add capacity or plan service during the event.
Will alcohol be served?
Plan for 15–20% more units
Alcohol service typically increases restroom use. Add 15–20% to the calculator’s starting estimate, especially for longer events.
Are other restrooms available?
Count convenience, not just fixtures
Consider the condition, capacity, and location of existing venue restrooms. Add portable units when permanent facilities are difficult to reach or likely to create long lines.
Who is attending?
Plan for accessibility and children
Include Handicap Accessible Toilets for guests who need grab bars, more floor space, or a step-free entry. A common planning baseline is one Handicap Accessible Toilet per 20 standard units; confirm venue and local requirements. Families may also appreciate spacious or child-sized units.
How much space is available?
Service can reduce the unit footprint
When space is limited, ask about servicing units during the event. A planned service visit may reduce the total number of toilets needed while keeping them clean and stocked.
Will you rent a restroom trailer?
Provide a step-free alternative
Restroom trailers use stairs. Include a Handicap Accessible Toilet for guests who cannot safely navigate them, and place it on an accessible route near the trailer.
Delivery-day success5 placement checks
Choose a safe, guest-friendly location
Good placement makes the restroom area easier to find, easier to service, and more comfortable for everyone.
- 1
Start with firm, level ground
Choose a hard-surfaced or well-drained area with clear truck access. Safe placement protects the venue and allows delivery, service, and pickup without vehicles becoming stuck.
- 2
Keep units convenient—not intrusive
Place toilets within a short, obvious walk of the event, but away from food service, ceremonies, and primary photo areas. Maintain a clear, accessible path.
- 3
Add lighting and wayfinding
Use visible signs and illuminate the route when guests will arrive or leave after dark. Avoid steps, curbs, cables, and other obstacles along the path.
- 4
Put trash cans nearby
Trash cans near toilets and handwash stations discourage guests from putting cups, trash, and used paper towels inside the units. Coordinate trash removal with the venue—APT service trucks do not haul event trash.
- 5
Check wind and rain plans
For exposed sites, group units back-to-back for stability or ask about staking for an additional fee. If rain is forecast, choose a location that will not become muddy or inaccessible.
Restroom trailer planning
Confirm space, water, and power
- The women’s side includes two stalls and one sink.
- The men’s side includes one stall, two urinals, and one sink.
- Place the trailer on level ground within 25 feet of power and water sources.
- The trailer can connect to two standard electrical outlets, or you can rent a generator for an additional fee.
- The trailer can connect to a standard water hose bib, or APT can fill the onboard water tank for an additional fee.
- With the stairs extended, the trailer measures 12 feet high, 18.5 feet long, and 13.3 feet wide.
- Trailers arrive stocked with single-use paper towels, toilet paper, and hand soap.
Proven event support
Trusted with major Central Virginia events
“Allied handles a MAJOR event for downtown Staunton every September, and they never fail to exceed expectations—from planning and preparation to execution, maintenance, and pickup. They are reasonable, easy to work with, and great at following up to make sure customers are satisfied. Thank you, Allied! From Ann Marie and Chris in logistics to Lino and Jacinto, who dropped off, serviced very early each morning, and picked up on tight timelines, we couldn’t be happier!”
Sarah L.
Staunton, VA
Local planning help
Want APT to check your plan?
Every venue is different. Our team reviews hundreds of event layouts each year and can recommend the right mix of portable toilets, trailers, handwashing stations, and servicing—at no cost.