Toilet Calculator — Portable Loos for Events

The Purple Guide (the UK event-safety guidance from the Events Industry Forum) sets three tiers in its Chapter 18 Table 1. For events with a gate opening time under 6 hours: 1 female WC per 100 women and 1 male WC per 500 men plus 1 urinal per 150 men. For events of 6 hours or more with little or no alcohol or food: 1 female WC per 85 women and 1 male WC per 425 men plus 1 urinal per 125 men. For events of 6 hours or more with alcohol and food served in quantity: 1 female WC per 75 women and 1 male WC per 400 men plus 1 urinal per 100 men. The guidance handles alcohol by moving up a tier rather than by adding a fixed percentage.

Yes. Under the Equality Act 2010, you should provide accessible toilet facilities. Best practice is at least 1 disabled unit for events up to 250 guests, with an additional unit per 250 guests after that. These are larger units with handrails and wheelchair access.

Standard chemical toilets are the most common and cheapest. Luxury trailer units have flushing toilets, mirrors, and heating - ideal for weddings. Urinal units for men reduce queues. Eco-friendly composting toilets are available for festival-style events.

Standard portable toilets cost around £80-120 per unit for a weekend hire. Luxury trailer units cost £300-800 depending on size and specification. Prices include delivery, setup, and collection. For multi-day events, add servicing costs of £30-50 per unit per day.

Place toilets at least 20m from food preparation areas and water sources. Position them downwind from the main event area. Ensure firm, level ground for stability. Provide adequate lighting and signage. Keep access paths clear and consider adding hand sanitiser stations nearby.