If you’re planning portable toilets for your next event, you may be wondering if you need to provide handicap portable toilets, and if so, what exactly the ADA portable toilet requirements are. The American Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates that public facilities, including restrooms, be accessible to people with disabilities.

When does the law apply, and what types of portable toilets should you look for? Here’s what you need to know about ADA-compliant portable toilets.

When do ADA regulations apply?

If your event is taking place in a public space, federal law requires you to provide access to an ADA-compliant portable toilet. ADA regulations for portable toilets apply to all venues, commercial facilities and state and local government facilities that are open to public use. This includes public events such as street fairs, music festivals, sporting events, graduations, trade shows and even private parties and weddings in public event spaces. They don’t apply to portable toilets on construction sites or other temporary facilities not intended for public use.

The law mandates that 5% of single-use portable toilets be ADA compliant and marked with the International Symbol of Accessibility (blue wheelchair with braille writing).

If you’re not sure whether ADA portable toilet requirements apply to your event or venue, consult with an attorney or check with your local municipality. (Local governments are responsible for enforcing ADA requirements for any venue open to the public.)

ADA-compliant toilets vs. wheelchair-accessible toilets

ADA-compliant toilets and wheelchair-accessible toilets both add accessibility for people with disabilities, but not all wheelchair toilets meet the legal requirements for public events.

The main features of wheelchair-accessible toilets are larger doors, a ramped entrance and extra room for turning.

ADA-compliant portable toilets also accommodate wheelchair users, but they meet stringent government standards for people with other types of disabilities. They are larger, with more floor space for 360-degree turning, and have self-closing magnetic or hinged doors.

ADA portable toilet dimensions and features

ADA-compliant portable restrooms range in size from single units to restroom trailers that accommodate guests with and without accessibility needs. This ADA-compliant restroom trailer, for example, features one accessible station and two standard stations and includes running water, lights, flushing toilets and sinks.

The ADA Standards for Accessible Design specify the following ADA portable toilet dimensions and features:

• Stall: The stall should measure at least 60 inches wide from the side walls and 56 inches deep from the back wall.
• Door: The door should have a minimum width of 32 inches. It should swing out and be self-closing.
• Floor space: Stall floors should have enough space (60-inch diameter) for a wheelchair to turn around or a t-shaped space for a three-point turn.
• Grab bars: Toilets should include reinforced grab bars for support and stability. Bars should be securely mounted and easy to grasp.
• Toilet seat: The seat should be 17 to 19 inches above the floor.
• Sinks: Sinks should be 30 inches above the floor to allow wheelchair access.

ADA portable toilets ensure that people with accessibility needs can use restroom facilities with dignity and ease. By making these toilets available, you’re not only complying with the law, you’re also creating an inclusive environment for all.

Visit our online marketplace to browse our selection of portable toilets for rent.