Portable toilets are a must-have on construction sites and at outdoor events—but one of the first decisions you’ll face is whether to rent or buy. While renting offers flexibility and convenience, purchasing can make sense for long-term or repeat use.
The right choice depends on your site’s duration, location, weather conditions, and how often you’ll need sanitation services.
Key Takeaways
- Determine your needs before renting or buying portable toilets based on factors like usage, weather, and space.
- Explore various types of portable toilets available for rent, including standard, heated, and accessible options.
- Contact FenceLine for guidance on pricing, delivery, and setup after assessing your options.
- Prepare your site by clearing areas and ensuring access for delivery and setup.
- Establish customizable cleaning schedules for rented toilets, including waste removal and sanitization.
- Consider purchasing portable toilets for long-term use or frequent job sites, especially if storage is available.
How Portable Toilet Rentals Work for Job Sites & Events
Step 1: Assess Your Needs
This step is important whether you wind up buying or are looking into how to rent a portable toilet in Edmonton, Calgary, and across Alberta. There are a number of questions you should ask yourself before deciding on which portable toilets you should rent or buy.
- How many people will be using the portable toilets at your event or on your jobsite?
- What will the weather be like during your event or throughout the duration of your work?
- How much space is available for portable toilets on site>
- How often will the portable toilets need to be moved?
- Will both men and women be working on your job site?
- How long will you be needing the portable toilets?
By answering these questions, you can get a better understanding of your needs, whether you rent or buy portable toilets.
Step 2: Evaluate Your Options
Visit FenceLine.com and take a look at what your options are for portable toilets on rent. We have multiple options available. These include:
| Portable Toilet Type | Key Features |
| Standard | • Lightweight and easy to set up and remove• Ventilation panels help keep the unit fresh• Designed to reduce lingering odours |
| Heated | • Ideal for winter use in Edmonton and Calgary• R4 insulated cover helps retain heat• Provides a more comfortable experience in cold weather |
| Hardwall | • Stronger and sturdier than standard portable toilets• Built for durability and comfort• Well-suited for construction sites and windy locations |
| Ladies’ | Fully enclosed portable toilet• Designed exclusively for women• Clearly marked with a “Ladies” sign |
| Crane Unit | • Designed for high-rise and elevated construction sites• Reduces the need for workers to travel to ground level• Improves efficiency and convenience on site |
| Half Wall Roller | • Equipped with wheels for easy movement• Partial privacy walls• Ideal for construction sites requiring frequent relocation |
| Deluxe Collapsible Roller | • Collapsible walls for compact transport and storage• Wheels allow for easy movement• Convenient for dynamic job sites |
| Accessible Toilet | • Designed for individuals with mobility challenges• Easier entry and exit• Provides a more inclusive sanitation solution |
Step 3: Contact Our Team
Once you’ve looked at your options and think you might have an idea about what your site’s needs are, contact our team. We can guide you through the rest of the process, including pricing, delivery, and setup.
Step 4: Delivery & Set-Up
Once you’ve secured your portable toilets, it’s simply a matter of getting your site ready for our team to deliver and set them up. Clear the area, appoint a contact person, and ensure there are access points to your site.
Step 5: Cleaning & Maintenance Throughout the Job or Event
FenceLine will work with you to create customizable cleaning schedules that are simple and hassle-free. Just let our team know your specific needs, and we’ll take care of the rest. This includes:
- Waste removal
- Sanitizing the interior
- Restocking supplies
- Odour control
- Inspection and repairs
Step 6: Collection By Our Team
When you know the end date for your job or event, our team will pick up your rented portable toilets from your site. Set a date in advance, provide someone on-site who can be contacted, and try to clear access points.
How to Buy a Portable Toilet
Buying a portable toilet is generally more common for companies that need them for multiple events or construction sites, so assessing your needs can be a little different from renting.
Typically, buying portable toilets is best for:
- Companies that regularly require portable toilets on their site
- Job sites that are going to be set up on a long-term basis
- When you have space to store portable toilets when they’re not in use
If you’ve decided to buy a portable toilet, the PJN3 toilet is lightweight and durable, and has a spacious design and user-friendly functionality. It’s perfect for companies with long-term portable toilet needs.
Renting vs. Buying Portable Toilets: At a Glance
| Factor | Renting Portable Toilets | Buying Portable Toilets |
| Upfront Cost | Lower initial cost | Higher upfront investment |
| Best For | Short-term projects, events, or seasonal use | Long-term or recurring job sites |
| Maintenance & Cleaning | Included with customizable service schedules | Owner is responsible for cleaning and upkeep |
| Waste Removal | Handled by the rental provider | Must be arranged independently |
| Flexibility | Easy to add, remove, or relocate units | Less flexible once purchased |
| Storage Needs | No storage required after use | Storage required when not in use |
| Weather Considerations | Access to heated and winter-ready options | Winterization may require additional planning |
| Movement Between Sites | Provider manages transport | Requires your own transport solution |
| Long-Term Cost Efficiency | Cost-effective for temporary needs | More economical for frequent, ongoing use |
Find Portable Toilets with Confidence
Whether you decide that renting offers the flexibility you need or purchasing makes more sense for long-term use, FenceLine Rentals is here to help. Our experienced team will guide you through your options, recommend the right units for your site, and handle the logistics so you can focus on what matters most—running a successful job or event.
When you’re ready to take the next step, reach out and let us help you choose a portable toilet solution you can rely on.
Is it more cost-effective to rent or buy a portable toilet?
Renting has a lower upfront cost and includes servicing, making it ideal for temporary use. Buying can be more cost-effective over time if the toilets will be used frequently and you have storage space when they’re not in use.
How long can I rent portable toilets for?
Renting has a lower upfront cost and includes servicing, making it ideal for temporary use. Buying can be more cost-effective over time if the toilets will be used frequently and you have storage space when they’re not in use.
Who handles cleaning and waste removal when renting?
When you rent portable toilets, the rental provider manages cleaning, waste removal, restocking supplies, and sanitization based on a schedule that fits your site’s needs.
Do I need special preparation before delivery?
When you rent portable toilets, the rental provider manages cleaning, waste removal, restocking supplies, and sanitization based on a schedule that fits your site’s needs.
When does buying portable toilets make the most sense?
Buying is often ideal for companies that:
- Have adequate space to store units between uses
- Regularly require portable toilets
- Operate long-term or permanent job sites
Can I switch from renting to buying later?
Absolutely. Many companies start by renting portable toilets and later choose to purchase once they better understand their long-term needs.