QUICK OVERVIEW: Portable loo hire is the fastest way to provide clean, hygienic toilet facilities at any outdoor event. This guide covers how many loos you need per guest, what different types cost across the UK, and the step by step hire process from booking to collection. Whether you are planning a wedding, festival, or corporate event, explore our full range of portable toilet hire options at GigLoo or get in touch for a free quote.
Portable loo hire gives event planners a simple way to provide clean, self-contained toilet facilities wherever they are needed. In the UK, standard portable loos typically cost between £40 and £150 per week, while luxury toilet trailers range from £600 to £1,500 per weekend. The Purple Guide recommends a minimum of one toilet per 100 female guests and one per 500 male guests for events lasting up to six hours. This guide breaks down everything you need to know, from choosing the right type to avoiding the most common mistakes.
Table of Contents
- Why Is Portable Loo Hire Essential for Outdoor Events?
- What Types of Portable Toilet Can You Hire?
- How to Choose Between a Portable Loo and a Luxury Toilet Trailer
- How Many Portable Loos Do You Need Per Guest?
- Cost of Portable Loo Hire in the UK
- What to Look for in a Portable Loo Company
- How Does Delivery, Setup and Collection Work?
- Top 10 Mistakes Event Planners Make with Portable Loo Hire
- Portable Loo Hire Trends for 2026 and Beyond
- FAQs About Portable Loo Hire
Why Is Portable Loo Hire Essential for Outdoor Events?
If your event is outdoors, or your venue does not have enough fixed toilets, you need portable loos. It is that simple.
Here is the thing. Toilets are not the glamorous part of event planning. But they are one of the things guests notice most when they are missing or inadequate.
There are legal reasons too. The Purple Guide to Health, Safety and Welfare at Music and Other Events sets out clear guidelines on the minimum number of toilets event organisers must provide. Local authorities use these guidelines when reviewing event plans. If your provision falls short, you could face complaints, fines, or even a refusal of your event licence.
Under the Equality Act 2010, you must also provide accessible toilet facilities at any public event. That means at least one easy-access toilet with ramp access, handrails, and enough space for a wheelchair user.
What Happens If You Don’t Provide Enough Toilets?
From our experience supplying events across Sussex, Surrey, and London, the consequences of underestimating toilet numbers are real:
- Long queues. Guests miss performances, speeches, or activities.
- Hygiene issues. Overused units become unpleasant quickly.
- Complaints. Poor toilet facilities are the number one negative comment on event feedback forms.
- Reputational damage. Guests remember bad loos. They tell people about them.
The HSE notes that local authorities are responsible for enforcing toilet provision at events. Getting it right from the start saves you stress on the day.
What Types of Portable Toilet Can You Hire?
Not all portable loos are the same. The right type depends on your event, your guests, and your budget.
Here is a quick breakdown of the main options available in the UK:
- Standard portable loo. A single, self-contained chemical unit with a hand sanitiser dispenser. Great for large events where you need high numbers at a lower cost. See GigLoo’s standard portable units.
- Luxury toilet trailer. A multi-bay trailer with flushing toilets, running water, mirrors, vanity areas, and lighting. Ideal for weddings, corporate events, and VIP areas. GigLoo offers configurations from 2+1 trailers all the way up to 14-bay trailers.
- Easy-access (disabled) toilet. A wider unit with ramp access, handrails, and baby-changing facilities. Essential for any public event. View GigLoo’s easy-access toilet pod.
- Mains-connected toilet. Connects directly to an on-site water supply and drainage. A good option for venues with existing utilities. GigLoo offers a mains-connecting easy-access pod.
- Urinal units. Designed for high-footfall events. They reduce queues and free up cubicled units for female guests. GigLoo’s 10-bay plus urinal trailer is popular at festivals.
How to Choose Between a Portable Loo and a Luxury Toilet Trailer
You might be wondering which option is right for your event. Here is a simple comparison:
| Feature | Standard Portable Loo | Luxury Toilet Trailer |
|---|---|---|
| Flushing toilet | No (chemical flush) | Yes (full flush system) |
| Running water | No (hand sanitiser) | Yes (hot and cold) |
| Interior finish | Basic, functional | Stylish with mirrors and vanity |
| Capacity (per unit, 8 hours) | Up to 50 users | Varies by configuration (100 to 500+) |
| Best for | Festivals, large crowds, construction | Weddings, corporate events, VIP areas |
| UK cost range | £40 to £150 per week | £600 to £1,500 per weekend |
When is a luxury trailer worth the extra cost?
If your guests expect a certain standard, go luxury. Weddings, corporate hospitality, and private parties all benefit from the upgrade. GigLoo’s luxury trailers are fitted with vanity areas, full-length mirrors, and quality interior finishes. They are designed to complement your event rather than feel like an afterthought.
For large festivals where numbers are the priority, standard portables combined with urinal units are usually the most practical choice.
How Many Portable Loos Do You Need Per Guest?
Getting the numbers right is one of the most important decisions you will make.
What Does The Purple Guide Recommend?
The Purple Guide is the UK’s go-to reference for event sanitation. Here are the minimum ratios:
Events up to 6 hours, no food or drink served:
- Female: 1 toilet per 100 guests
- Male: 1 toilet per 500 guests, plus 1 urinal per 150 guests
Events over 6 hours, with food and drink:
- Female: 1 toilet per 75 guests
- Male: 1 toilet per 400 guests, plus 1 urinal per 125 guests
Important: These are minimums. If you want shorter queues and happier guests, add more.
How Does Alcohol Affect Toilet Requirements?
Alcohol is a diuretic. That means more trips to the loo.
If your event serves alcohol, add 15 to 20 per cent more units on top of the Purple Guide minimums. This is especially important for all-day weddings, beer festivals, and evening parties.
Worked Example: 150 Guest Wedding
Let us say you are planning a wedding for 150 guests with a 60/40 female to male split. The event runs for 8 hours, and alcohol will be served.
- Female guests (90): 90 / 75 = 2 toilets minimum
- Male guests (60): 60 / 400 = 1 toilet minimum, plus 60 / 125 = 1 urinal
- Alcohol uplift (20%): add roughly 1 extra unit
- Total recommendation: 3 to 4 toilet bays, plus 1 urinal
A GigLoo 3+1 luxury toilet trailer would be a strong fit for this scenario. It provides three female cubicles and one male cubicle in a single, stylish trailer.
Cost of Portable Loo Hire in the UK
Budget is always a factor. Here is what you can realistically expect to pay in 2026, based on UK industry averages.
Cost Comparison Table
| Type | Typical UK Cost | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| Standard portable loo | £40 to £150 per week | Delivery, collection, weekly servicing |
| Luxury toilet trailer | £600 to £1,500 per weekend | Delivery, setup, collection, full stocking |
| Easy-access (disabled) toilet | £50 to £90 per week | Delivery, collection, servicing |
| Urinal unit | £30 to £60 per week | Delivery, collection, servicing |
| Delivery and collection fee | £60 to £150 (one-off) | Distance dependent |
Please note: These are UK industry averages. Actual pricing depends on your location, event type, duration, and the number of units required. For an accurate quote tailored to your event, contact GigLoo directly.
What Hidden Costs Should You Watch For?
Before you sign anything, ask about these:
- Mileage surcharges. Some companies charge per mile beyond a set radius.
- Generator hire. If your venue is off-grid, luxury trailers may need a separate generator for lighting and hot water.
- Weekend premiums. Peak-season weekends (May to September) often cost more.
- Excess cleaning fees. Heavy usage beyond what is considered fair may incur extra charges.
- Insurance. Most hire companies expect the hirer to arrange cover for loss, theft, or damage.
Here is a quick tip. Always ask for an all-inclusive quote. That way, you know exactly what you are paying before the event.
What to Look for in a Portable Loo Company
Not all portable loo companies are the same. The cheapest option is not always the best value.
Top 10 Questions to Ask Before You Book
- Are you a licensed waste carrier registered with the Environment Agency?
- What exactly is included in the quoted price?
- Do you provide servicing during multi-day events?
- What is your delivery and collection window?
- Do you carry public liability insurance?
- Can you supply easy-access toilet units?
- How far in advance do I need to book?
- What happens if a unit breaks down on the day?
- Are your units deep-cleaned and sanitised before delivery?
- Can you share references or case studies from similar events?
Red Flags to Avoid
Watch out for companies that:
- Cannot provide proof of a waste carrier licence
- Refuse to give a written, itemised quote
- Have no servicing schedule for multi-day hires
- Add delivery and collection fees after the initial quote
- Cannot supply accessible units
At GigLoo, our sales team will take time to fully understand your needs and create a package that matches your event. We have been in the events industry since 2013, backed by our parent company John Dennis Coachbuilders, who have held ISO 9001 since 1994.
How Does Delivery, Setup and Collection Work?
You might be wondering what the actual process looks like. Here is a step by step walkthrough.
Step by Step: The Portable Loo Hire Process
- Get a quote. Contact your hire company with your event details: date, location, guest numbers, event type, and any specific requirements.
- Confirm your booking. Once you are happy with the quote, confirm and pay a deposit (typically 50 per cent).
- Pre-event site check. For larger events, your supplier may visit the site to plan access routes and unit placement.
- Delivery and setup. Units are usually delivered 1 to 2 days before the event. Luxury trailers need flat, firm ground and vehicle access (minimum 9ft width, 12ft height clearance).
- Stocking. Units arrive fully stocked with toilet paper, hand wash or sanitiser, and all consumables.
- Servicing during the event. For multi-day events, your supplier empties waste tanks, cleans, and restocks as needed.
- Collection. Units are collected 1 to 2 days after the event.
- Final invoice. Any outstanding balance is settled.
Where Should You Position Portable Loos?
Placement matters more than most people think.
- Place units on flat, firm ground to avoid sinking or tipping.
- Keep them away from food preparation areas but close enough to the main event that guests do not have to walk far.
- Make sure servicing vehicles can access the units without disrupting the event.
- Provide clear signage so guests can find the facilities easily.
- Ensure units are well-lit at night, especially at evening events.
- Position them discreetly but visibly. Nobody wants a toilet trailer as the centrepiece, but guests should not struggle to find it.
For weddings and events, GigLoo is familiar with many venues throughout Sussex, Surrey, Kent, and London. Our knowledge of these venues helps us recommend the best placement for your units.
Top 10 Mistakes Event Planners Make with Portable Loo Hire
From our experience working across festivals, weddings, and film and TV productions, these are the errors we see most often.
- Underestimating numbers. Always use the Purple Guide ratios as a starting point, not a ceiling.
- Booking too late in peak season. Summer weekends (May to September) book up fast. Luxury trailers can sell out months ahead.
- Forgetting accessible toilets. You need at least one easy-access unit at any public event. It is a legal requirement.
- Placing loos too far from the action. Guests will avoid using them, or worse, find alternatives.
- Not factoring in alcohol. Add 15 to 20 per cent more units if you are serving drinks.
- Ignoring ground conditions. Muddy, uneven ground causes problems for both users and delivery vehicles.
- Choosing on price alone. A cheap quote often means hidden extras, older units, or no servicing.
- Skipping servicing for multi-day events. Without daily cleaning and waste removal, conditions deteriorate fast.
- Forgetting hand-wash stations. Hand hygiene is not optional. Make sure your units include soap, sanitiser, or separate wash stations.
- Not checking the waste carrier licence. Your hire company must be registered with the Environment Agency to legally dispose of waste.
Portable Loo Hire Trends for 2026 and Beyond
The portable sanitation industry is changing. Here is what is driving that change.
What Are Eco-Friendly Portable Toilets?
Sustainability is no longer a nice-to-have. Event organisers and attendees expect it.
At GigLoo, our units are fabricated using co-polymer plastic combined with a UV-inhibitor. This gives them a minimum 20-year lifespan. At the end of that lifespan, every unit is 100% recyclable. That is a big difference from traditional fibreglass, timber, or metal units that rot quickly and end up in landfill.
We also prioritise water conservation. Our luxury trailers feature touch instant-off taps and timed flow push buttons for showers. We have implemented a wastewater recycling system for washing our trailers before delivery, which saves an estimated 200,000 to 300,000 litres of water per year. Read more about our sustainability commitments.
What Else Is Changing in the Industry?
- Smart sanitation systems. Real-time monitoring of waste levels and consumables helps suppliers respond faster and keep units cleaner.
- Touchless features. Hands-free taps, flushing, and dispensers are becoming standard in luxury units.
- Themed and branded interiors. Event planners are increasingly requesting interiors that match their event aesthetic, from rustic barn weddings to sleek corporate functions.
- Solar-powered welfare units. For off-grid sites, solar technology is reducing reliance on generators and lowering carbon footprints.
FAQs About Portable Loo Hire
How much does it cost to hire a portable loo in the UK?
A standard portable loo typically costs £40 to £150 per week, including weekly servicing. Luxury toilet trailers for events range from £600 to £1,500 per weekend. Delivery and collection usually adds £60 to £150, depending on distance.
How many portable loos do I need for 100 guests?
For a daytime event lasting up to six hours without alcohol, you need at least one toilet plus one urinal. If alcohol is served or the event runs longer, add 15 to 20 per cent more. Always check the Purple Guide ratios for your specific event.
How far in advance should I book portable loos for an event?
Book at least 4 to 6 weeks ahead for standard events. For summer weddings and festivals between May and September, book 3 to 6 months in advance. Luxury trailers are in high demand during peak season and can sell out quickly.
Do portable loos smell bad?
Modern portable loos are deep-cleaned and sanitised before delivery. They use chemical deodorisers and are well-ventilated. With proper servicing, especially for multi-day events, odour should not be an issue.
Do I need a disabled-access portable toilet at my event?
Yes. For any public event, you should provide at least one accessible toilet to comply with the Equality Act 2010. These units are wider, have ramp access and handrails, and often include baby-changing facilities.
What does portable toilet servicing include?
Servicing typically covers waste tank emptying, a full internal clean and disinfection, restocking of toilet paper and hand wash, and a condition check. For events, servicing can be arranged daily or multiple times per day.
Can portable loos be used in winter?
Yes. Portable loos work year-round. For cold-weather events, consider units with hot water hand-wash. Some luxury trailers include heating, which makes a real difference on chilly evenings.
Summary: Getting Portable Loo Hire Right for Your Event
Portable loo hire does not need to be complicated. The key steps are straightforward:
- Calculate your numbers using the Purple Guide ratios, adjusted for alcohol and event duration.
- Choose the right type for your event. Standard portables for volume, luxury trailers for style and comfort.
- Book early, especially for peak season events.
- Ask the right questions before committing to a supplier.
- Plan your placement carefully, and make sure servicing vehicles can reach the units.
If you are planning a wedding, festival, corporate event, or any outdoor occasion in Sussex, Surrey, Kent, or London, our team can help you find the right setup.
Explore our full range of portable toilet and shower hire at GigLoo, or contact us on 0330 333 8777 for a free, no-obligation quote.