3 Portable Restroom Accessories Every PRO Needs

3 Portable Restroom Accessories Every PRO Needs
Vanity hot water hand-wash station from PolyPortables Inc.

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Some portable restroom accessories are nice to have, and others are necessary for operating a successful business. What three accessories can’t you do without in your portable restroom company? 

For Hider El-Hage, it starts with a hand sanitizer of some sort. El-Hage and his brother Joseph co-own Blue Bowl Sanitation Inc. in Fulton, N.Y. They’re upstate, about 20 miles northwest of Syracuse, and cover all or parts of 12 counties.

Keep it clean 

Customers want hand sanitizers, El-Hage says, because hygiene is vital to preventing the spread of disease and illness. The first item that jumps into your mind is probably a dispenser filled with an alcohol-based disinfectant. But remember that customers want options. 

“A lot of contractors are going to wash stations these days,” he says. “Some people don’t like the feel of chemicals on their hands and prefer soap and water.” Some contractors are concerned about the effects of producing and disposing of the chemical sanitizers, which motivates them to use soap and water. “A lot more people today are also sensitive to chemicals, and that means more people want soap and water.” 

Blue Bowl uses portable restrooms mostly from PolyPortables Inc., and almost all of the units have hand-wash stations inside. Wastewater from the sink flows to the holding tank, and people don’t have to step outside to wash their hands. This is also easier for transport because technicians don’t have to find room for a separate wash station, El-Hage says. 

For hand washing, consider the Vanity hot water hand-wash station from PolyPortables Inc. It has a 2.5-gallon water heater and a pump that operate from a 110-volt power supply. The unit is available in an office trailer (no self-contained graywater tank) or in a special-event configuration with saddlebag graywater tank. Built-in, recessed wheels and handholds enable the cabinet to be rolled into position and placed flush against a wall. Measuring 28 inches wide, 36 inches high and 19.5 inches deep, the unit has a 5-gallon, replaceable bottle water supply. 

If you’re serving a larger crowd, check out the BRAVO heated two-station sink from PolyJohn Enterprises. It has a 22-gallon freshwater tank with visual levels and hands-free foot pump for 1,408 pumps of water and 60-gallon graywater tank for 350 washes. Other features include 1,000-sheet paper towel capacity and two 30-fluid-ounce soap dispensers. The heated sinks meet sanitation standards for restaurants, agriculture and other industries. The 70-pound (empty) sink has built-in lift handles and siphon port for easy pump-outs. The station fits inside most portable restrooms for transportation.

Check out a video on the BRAVO sink. 

Stop the smell 

Another part of customer comfort is deodorizer. “I like peppermint,” El-Hage says. “It leaves a nice fragrance that is appealing to most people.” 

In addition to being agreeable, El-Hage also considers how long a scent lasts. If it lasts a week, then it’s good, and if it can withstand a party where people are using alcohol, it’s really good. About 15 to 20 years ago Blue Bowl changed to non-formaldehyde-based fragrances. These don’t last as long as formaldehyde-based substances, El-Hage says, but they’re better for the environment, met a customer demand, and became a marketing point for Blue Bowl. 

For a variety of fragrance options, consider ProPaxx portion control, non-formaldehyde deodorizer packets from J & J Chemical Co. are designed to eliminate odors and break down solids. Packets are available in Gold for extreme heat and heavy traffic and Silver for moderate heat and traffic as well as special events. One packet mixes with five gallons of water for instant deodorizing. 

Non-toxic, non-allergenic liquids and deodorizing packets from Porta Pro Chem. Co. are free from phosphates, formaldehyde, Dichlorobenzene, enzymes and heavy metals. The deodorizer neutralizes odors by forming a non-volatile bond with the odorant, surrounding the odor in solution rather than chemically modifying it. All products are environmentally safe and biodegradable and come in full-strength and economy concentrate, as well as ready-to-use portions. A variety of fragrances are available in totes, drums or pails. 

If you’re looking for a long-lasting option, consider PowrX, a non-formaldehyde toilet treatment from Chempace Corp. combines the performance and longevity of Con 2 Plus with the odor control properties of Bionic to form a concentrate for odor control in extreme conditions for up to seven days. Additives assist in breaking down waste and scale buildup in the holding tank. Available in a variety of fragrances, the non-staining, blue-dye restroom treatment is biodegradable. 

The Super Turbo Tube dosing restroom deodorant system from Green Way Products by PolyPortables Inc. comes in a 1,000 mL bottle with drop-proof, flip cap that dispenses only when squeezed. A one-second squeeze into the holding tank delivers 10 mL of deodorizer for cooler temperatures and special events. A two-second squeeze delivers 20 mL or the equivalent of the 3rd Gear Turbo Tube for high heat and heavy use applications. A three-second squeeze handles the most demanding needs. 

For an easy dispersal option, Porta-Pak portion control holding tank deodorizer from Walex Products is biodegradable and formaldehyde-free. Featuring a deep blue, non-staining color, the deodorizer is available in three sizes for extreme to normal climates and special events. 

Load ‘em up 

El-Hage also stresses the importance of proper transport accessories. Consider something that helps you easily move units, whether it’s for placing them on ground of a concert or loading them on and off the truck. 

The Mini-Metro Mover from Allied Forward Motion LLC has a load capacity of 525 pounds. The portable, collapsible restroom mover fits on a truck, weighs 56 pounds and has four pneumatic tires, formed steel construction and black acrylic E-coat finish. 

If you need to transport multiple units, try the galvanized Transporter trailer from McKee Technologies Inc./Explorer Trailers. It features adjustable carrier slats that box-in any size restroom skid, including multiple-sized skids. Trailers range from 8 to 48 feet and accommodate up to 24 restrooms. All models include independent suspension axles to eliminate side-to-side shock transfers. A protective front wind deflector is available. 

For moving one unit, the Hitch Hauler from Deal Associates Inc. enables a pickup or sport utility vehicle to carry a portable restroom. Designed for one-person loading, the hauler mounts to a Reese-style hitch received and does not block the tailgate, allowing for full use of the truck bed.  

(All equipment listings from PRO Product Focus, July 2012.)



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