Frequently Asked Questions in Tacoma, WA

Count your users and the hours they'll work. OSHA 1926.51(c) sets the baseline: one toilet facility for 20 workers or fewer; one toilet seat and one urinal per 40 workers from 20 up; one toilet seat and one urinal per 50 workers at 200 or more. Events run longer and draw unpredictable crowds, so add one unit per 75 guests if you don't have a fixed headcount. A standard porta potty holds 60 to 70 gallons and measures about 44 by 48 inches on the ground. Site prep matters: you need level ground and access for our service truck. Tacoma construction sites often have tight clearance; a roll-off delivery needs about 60 feet of straight clearance behind the truck. Read more on how many porta potties you actually need.

A standard unit is bare-bones. Deluxe models add a flushing mechanism, hands-free soap dispensers, interior lighting and better ventilation. Deluxe costs more but cuts odor and feels cleaner to users. Deluxe flushable porta potties run higher on a weekly rental; standard units cost less if your job runs three weeks or longer. For ADA compliance in Tacoma, you'll want an ADA accessible porta potty that meets ADA Standards section 213.2: at least 5 percent of your units, and never fewer than one, must be accessible if you cluster portable toilets. That unit needs 36 inches of clear width at the door (ADA Standards section 404.2.3) and a 60 inch diameter turning circle inside (ADA Standards section 304.3.1).

A residential septic tank is typically pumped every 3 to 5 years, driven by tank size and household size. Septic tank pumping cost runs by the job; most Tacoma homeowners pay between 150 and 300 dollars. If you operate a restaurant or food business, a grease interceptor is pumped when fats, oils, grease and solids reach 25 percent of the liquid depth. Grease trap pumping happens on a tighter schedule. Watch for backups, slow drains and wet spots near your tank as warning signs. Tacoma plumbers and septic inspectors can spot problems early. For more detail, see septic tank warning signs.

Dumpsters take construction debris, yard waste, household junk and most demolition material. You cannot dump hazardous waste: paint, solvents, batteries, appliances with refrigerant, tires, propane cylinders or asbestos. Liquid waste goes nowhere near a dumpster. OSHA 1926.252 covers waste disposal on job sites; scrap and debris must be cleared from work areas per OSHA 1926.25. A 10 yard dumpster suits a small renovation; a 40 yard dumpster handles a full tearout. Dumpster weight limits depend on what you throw in; concrete and dirt are heavy. Read what cannot go in a dumpster before you call. Many Tacoma contractors call ahead to confirm what their project generates.

Placement in the public right of way needs confirming with the city. Tacoma Porta Pros will not place a unit on a public street or sidewalk without a permit, and placement rules vary by zone. Call us before you order if your site touches city property. Private property is usually fine. Porta potty permit requirements and dumpster permit requirements differ by use. A one-day event may need nothing; a construction site may need several permits. We help customers navigate this; ask when you call for a quote.

Call or go online to request a quote with your dates, location and unit type. We'll call back within an hour on weekdays. Tacoma Porta Pros serves the city and nearby towns including Fircrest (4.1 miles southwest) and Puyallup (11.6 miles southeast). Give us your site address and we'll tell you if we can deliver.

Weekend rates run higher than weekday rates. Call right away; we keep emergency stock on hand for Tacoma job sites that run Saturday or Sunday. Emergency porta potty rental and emergency septic service are available.

Yes. Restroom trailers run four to eight stalls with running water, heating and lighting. A 2 stall restroom trailer suits a small event; a 4 stall restroom trailer handles 100 to 150 guests. Trailers cost more than portable toilets but feel like real bathrooms. Tacoma venues often prefer them for weddings and festivals.

One service visit per week for up to 10 users over a 40 hour work week is standard per ANSI/PSAI Z4.3. More frequent service costs extra. We empty the tank, restock paper and soap (per 29 CFR 1910.141(d)(2), soap and towels or a hand drying device are required), and leave the unit clean. Handwashing stations get the same treatment; a portable sink rental includes soap and paper towels on each service call.

We serve Tacoma and surrounding cities. Check our service areas page or call to confirm your address. We reach Lacey (24.5 miles southwest) and Burien (26.0 miles north) on request.