Key facts
- Plan clusters near entrances, food and stages.
- At least 5% of units per cluster accessible (ADA §213.2).
- 1 two-sink handwash station per 4 toilets.
- Book Saturday-night service for two-day events.
How many porta potties does a festival need?
A two-day festival with up to 2,000 people on its busy day typically runs about 12 toilets, 3–4 handwash stations and a Saturday-night service visit, as one 40-year-old fiber festival does every October. Longer days, alcohol sales and hot weather push the count higher.
“We need to make sure they get washed on Saturday.”
From the dispatch log
That organizer's old vendor never called back. Our dispatcher also flagged that her 12-unit order had no accessible unit; it became 11 standard + 1 accessible.
Source: 19-call sample, 2026 call log. Names, numbers and addresses removed.
Does a McAllen festival need a permit?
Yes for most public festivals. A City of McAllen special event permit covers parades, processions, street closures and mass gatherings, and food vendors need temporary food permits from Health and Code Enforcement at least two weeks ahead. Send your site map early so restroom clusters fit the plan.
Straight answers
Questions callers asked us
Does a public event need a handicap unit?
Where portable restrooms serve the public, the 2010 ADA Standards section 213.2 calls for at least 5% of units in each cluster, and no fewer than one, to be accessible. In our call log, a 2,000-person festival had not planned any until dispatch asked. Plan at least one.
How often is the porta potty cleaned?
Units on 28-day rentals are serviced once a week: pumped, scrubbed, deodorized and restocked. Event units arrive clean and stocked. Festivals and multi-day events can add a mid-event service, such as a Saturday-night clean before a Sunday crowd.
Do you rent hand washing stations?
Yes. A standalone two-sink handwash station runs about $199 per event and is refilled on multi-day events. Food vendors, festivals and jobsites use them most. For small parties, the deluxe 2-in-1 unit with a built-in sink is usually the better buy.
Do I need a McAllen permit for my event?
Restrooms alone do not need a city permit. Parades, street closures, mass gatherings and street events need a City of McAllen special event permit, and food sales need a temporary food permit from Health and Code Enforcement at least two weeks ahead. Confirm with the city before you plan your restroom count.
How far ahead should I book?
Book jobsite units 1–2 business days ahead. Book weekend parties 1–2 weeks ahead. Book quinceañeras, weddings and October festival weekends 3–6 weeks ahead. Restroom trailers book out first in spring and fall, so reserve those 4–8 weeks out.