Porta Potties and their Carbon Footprint

Although porta potties may be a necessity in some situations, they can have their disadvantages. Most people associate visiting the traditional portable toilet with a combination of unsightly images and smells. Furthermore, because of the chemicals and waste disposal processes they use, portable toilets can also put a strain on the environment. Fortunately, recent developments in the industry may improve users' experiences, and reduce the porta potty's carbon footprint.

Portable toilets are typically used when traditional plumbing is not available. Because waste cannot be removed from the area immediately, it must be stored temporarily within the unit.

Standard porta potties contain a waste reservoir that stores human waste directly below the toilet seat. Reservoirs range in size considerably, and are filled with chemicals designed to reduce odors and partially disinfect waste material. Some of the most common chemicals used in the holding tank are bromine, formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde. When the reservoir is full, the toilet must be emptied. In most cases, the contents of the reservoir are pumped into a local wastewater system using specialized equipment.

The chemicals contained in standard portable toilets cannot completely disinfect human waste. In addition, these chemicals are highly toxic to humans and wildlife alike. For these reason, the contents of a porta potty cannot be released directly into groundwater, and must be processed by an appropriate wastewater system.

Unfortunately, sending the waste from porta potties into a wastewater system raises its own environmental concerns. Sewage treatment facilities consume a significant amount of resources, including electricity and clean water. Likewise, the trucks and equipment used to pump waste out of standard porta potties consume fossil fuels, and release harmful emissions, which is hard on the environment as well.

In spite of all of the ecological concerns associated with the use of the porta potty, some situations require the use of a portable toilet. Indoor plumbing is not always available, and disposing of human waste in the natural environment without treating it first is both unsafe, and undesirable. In such cases, a portable toilet is the best option. To ensure that your porta potty experience is as pleasant and environmentally-friendly as possible, choose a porta potty provider with a reputation for cleanliness, safety, and efficiency.

gotügo provides some of the best, most hygienic portable toilets currently on the market. Whether you are managing a long-term construction project or planning a wedding, gotügo has a product that will meet your needs. All of gotügo's porta potties include features you won't find in the typical portable toilet, including coat hooks, urinals and a mirror. Units are also available with ADA access, baby changing tables, sinks and flushing capabilities.