Portable Loos 101: Everything You Need to Know

Let’s be honest - talking toilets isn’t exactly dinner-table conversation but when nature calls and you’re mid-renovation, running a festival or building the next big thing on-site, a reliable portable loo is less of a luxury and more of a necessity.

At Ace Liftaway, we get it. Whether you're planning a home project, managing a construction site or throwing a local event, you want loos that are clean, convenient and (most importantly) hassle-free. So, here’s your no-nonsense guide to all things portable toilet - the stuff you really want to know, but didn’t quite know how to ask.

What Actually Is a Portable Loo?

A portable loo (also called a site toilet or mobile toilet) is a self-contained, standalone unit that provides sanitation without needing to connect to water or sewer systems. Ours are delivered ready to use, fully cleaned and come with:

• Toilet with a seat
• Hand sanitiser or handwashing station
• Toilet paper (restocked weekly)
• Waste tank with environmentally friendly chemicals
• A service once a week, to clear the tank and keep things fresh (Additional services can be provided at an extra charge)

We deliver them sparkling clean, ready to use and collect them when you’re done - it’s “waste” management made simple.

Who uses portable toilets? Are they just for building sites?

Not at all! While construction sites are a big part of our business, our loos are used for all sorts of reasons:

• Homeowners during bathroom renovations
• Builders and contractors working on new builds, extensions or landscaping
• Event organisers running fairs, festivals, markets, or weddings
• Small businesses hosting pop-up events or managing outdoor spaces
• Farms and rural work sites that need temporary facilities

If you’re without access to a proper loo, even just for a few days, hiring one makes life much easier.

How many portable toilets do I need?

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Construction sites: One toilet per 7 workers, based on a 40-hour week (HSE guidelines)
• Events: One toilet per 50 guests for events up to 6 hours (add more for longer events or if you’re serving food and drink)

Not sure? Our team can help you figure out what’s right for your site or event. Just give us a ring! We’re always happy to help you do the maths. Better to be over-prepared than caught short. Or, you can use our trusted loos calculator. 

How often are they cleaned or serviced?

We provide weekly servicing as standard for long-term hires. That includes:

• Emptying the waste tank
• Replacing chemicals
• A full internal clean

Extra servicing is available if needed, especially helpful for large events or busy sites. You don’t need to worry about a thing. We handle it all.

Do portable loos smell?

This is one of our most-asked questions, and it’s a fair one. Thanks to modern chemicals and regular servicing, our loos are designed to stay fresh. They’re cleaned thoroughly before delivery and topped up every week. That said, we always recommend good ventilation and regular servicing if they’ll be in heavy use.

Do they need power or water?

Nope! Our portable toilets are completely self-contained. They don’t need to be hooked up to electricity, water mains, or drainage systems. We just need:

• A level surface to place them
• Safe, accessible space for delivery and servicing vehicles

We’ll help you choose the best spot when we deliver.

Are they environmentally friendly?

Yes, we’re committed to doing things the right way. As a local, family-run business, we care about the communities we serve and the environment we all share. Our toilets use eco-friendly chemicals, and all waste is disposed of responsibly through licensed waste treatment facilities. It’s part of our mission to be clean and green. Hiring a portable toilet doesn’t mean compromising on green values - not with Ace Liftaway.

What sets Ace Liftaway apart?

We’re a family-run business that’s built on trust, reliability, and a real commitment to customer service. Here’s why customers choose Ace Liftaway and Ace Loos:

• Prompt delivery and easy booking
• Weekly servicing included
• No hidden charges
• Friendly, knowledgeable team
• Locally based in Hampshire, so we’re never far away

Whether you need a single unit for a weekend event or multiple loos for a large site, we’ll make it simple, clean and stress-free.

Book Your Portable Loo Today

If you’re planning a project, event or just need a short-term solution, we’re here to help. Give our team a call to get started. We’ll answer any questions - no matter how awkward they may seem.