The Backyard Party Porta Potty Checklist
This backyard party porta potty checklist covers what to measure, count and decide before you call. Ten minutes with it saves a second phone call and a bad spot on party day.
Same-day cutoff is 12:00 PM Mon–Sat (Central)
- Delivery areaWe deliver to backyards across Midland, Odessa and nearby towns from our Henderson St yard.
- ArrivalMost backyard parties get a Friday or Saturday drop; order by noon Mon–Sat for same-day.
- Which unitMost yards take a standard porta potty; add a flushing unit if guests want a sink.
- CleaningUnits arrive clean and stocked with 2+ toilet-paper rolls and sanitizer; we pump out at pickup.
- Full costYour texted quote lists each unit, delivery, any fees and 8.25% sales tax as one total.
Why use a checklist before renting a porta potty for a backyard party?
A checklist answers the 10 questions our desk asks on almost every backyard party call. Hosts who know their gate width, guest count, party hours and pickup day get a quote in one call. Hosts who guess often call back 2 or 3 times. The checklist below follows the order of a real call.
Most backyard calls start the same way. The host asks the price, then we ask where the unit goes, how many people, and for how long. Every answer changes the quote.
Where should the porta potty go in my backyard?
The porta potty needs a firm, level spot about 4 feet by 4 feet. Our crew needs a 5-foot clear path from the truck to that spot. A standard unit is about 43.5 inches wide and fits a 48-inch gate. Mark the spot with a cone, flag or chalk X before delivery day.
Measure these 3 things
- Gate width. 48 inches or wider works for a standard unit.
- The path. About 5 feet clear, with no steps, pool edges or tight turns.
- The ground. Flat grass, gravel or concrete. Avoid soft beds and slopes.
If the gate is too narrow, the unit can sit in the driveway beside the garage. A text photo of the spot helps the driver more than a long description.
How many porta potties does a backyard party need?
Start with 1 standard porta potty per 50 guests for a party up to 4 hours. Add 1 unit per 100 guests if the party runs longer than 4 hours. Add 1 more unit per 100 guests if you serve alcohol. A 60-guest, 5-hour party with beer needs 4 units.
That count uses our published sizing method. It also says to make at least 1 of the units a wheelchair-accessible unit when guests may need one. For a quick count, try the porta potty quantity calculator.
| Guests | Party length | Alcohol | Toilets | Handwash stations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 | Up to 4 hours | No | 1 | 1 if food is served |
| 50 | Up to 4 hours | Yes | 2 | 1 |
| 60 | 5 hours | Yes | 4 | 1 |
| 100 | 6 hours | Yes | 4 | 1 |
Have indoor bathrooms? A unit outside still keeps a crowd out of the house, off the carpet and away from one overworked toilet.
Have your guest count ready?
Call (432) 239-8885 and get a texted itemized quote, usually within 15 minutes.
Do I need a handwashing station at a backyard party?
You need 1 handwashing station per 4 toilets when food is served or guests can't reach an indoor sink. The minimum is 1 station. A 2-sink station holds about 36 gallons of fresh water and serves about 400 hand washes per fill. A standard porta potty has hand sanitizer only, not a sink.
About 1 in 10 callers ask for "one with a sink." You have 2 ways to get one. Rent a hand-washing station next to standard units, or rent a deluxe flushing unit with a sink inside.
Neither choice needs a hose or power. Both run on foot pumps.
What if my party runs after dark?
A standard porta potty has no electric light, only a translucent roof for daylight. For a party past 8 PM, place 1 battery lantern by the door and 1 tap light inside. Light the walking path too. Never run an extension cord into the unit, because the floor can get wet.
Point the door toward the party lights, not toward a dark fence line. Guests will use a unit they can see.
When should the porta potty arrive and leave?
Most backyard units arrive the day before the party and leave the day after. An event rental covers up to 3 days on site, so a Friday drop and Monday pickup count as 1 rental. We deliver Monday through Saturday, 7 AM to 7 PM. A Sunday party gets a Saturday drop and Monday pickup.
You do not need to be home for delivery. Mark the spot and text us a photo. The driver calls or texts 30 to 60 minutes before arrival.
Need the unit in a tighter window? A timed 1-hour delivery window is +$45. Read more on how rental works from booking to pickup.
What is the full backyard party porta potty checklist?
The full checklist has 10 items. Check gate width, path, ground, guest count, party hours, alcohol, food, lighting, drop day and pickup day. Then call with those answers. Our desk turns them into 1 itemized quote with units, days, delivery and 8.25% Texas sales tax listed as a total.
- Gate width. 48 inches or more for a standard unit.
- Path. About 5 feet clear from the street to the spot.
- Ground. Firm and level, about 4 by 4 feet.
- Guest count. Count the peak crowd, not the invite list.
- Party hours. Over 4 hours adds units.
- Alcohol. A bar or cooler adds at least 1 unit.
- Food. Food means 1 handwash station per 4 toilets.
- Lighting. Battery lights for any party after dark.
- Drop day. Usually the day before. No Sunday drops.
- Pickup day. Usually the day after, within the 3-day window.
Add a free combination lock if you want the unit closed until the party starts. Ask for it when you book.
What does a backyard party porta potty cost in Midland?
A standard porta potty starts at $175 pre-tax for an event rental of up to 3 days. Delivery and pickup are included in Zone 1, which covers Midland and Odessa. A handwash station starts at $110. Orders of 5 or more units get $10 off each unit. Texas sales tax of 8.25% is added.
The top follow-up question we hear is "Is that the total, with delivery, pickup and tax?" Our texted quote answers it line by line. There is no fuel surcharge and no card fee. See the full porta potty rental cost breakdown for every fee.
Calling for someone else, like a parent or the person paying? Ask for the quote by text so you can forward it.
Ready to book the backyard party?
Call Jack's desk at (432) 239-8885, Mon–Sat 7 AM–7 PM.
More questions about The Backyard Party Porta Potty Checklist
Can the porta potty go through my side gate?
Usually yes. A standard unit is about 43.5 inches wide, so it fits a 48-inch gate. Our crew needs about 5 feet of clear path to carry it in. Move trash cans, hoses and grills before the truck comes. If the gate is narrower, we place the unit just outside it.
Will my HOA care about a porta potty in the driveway?
Some HOAs limit how long a unit can sit in view of the street. A short party rental is often fine, but check your HOA rules first. Placing the unit beside the garage or behind a fence keeps it out of sight. Tell us the spot and we set it there.
Our party goes until midnight. Is there a light inside?
A standard porta potty has no electric light. The translucent roof lets in daylight only. For a night party, hang a battery lantern near the door or stick a battery tap light inside. Do not run an extension cord into the unit. Keep the path to the door lit too.
Do I need a permit for a porta potty at my house?
On your own private property, you usually do not need a permit. Placing a unit on a public street, alley or sidewalk in Midland generally needs City approval. Check with the City of Midland before you plan a street spot. Confirm with your permit office, venue or safety manager — this is not legal advice.
Can I pick a smaller rental for just a few hours?
We do not rent by the hour. An event rental covers up to 3 days on site, so a 4-hour party and a full weekend cost the same. That gives you a drop the day before and a pickup after. A standard unit starts at $175 pre-tax with Zone 1 delivery included.
How close to the house should the unit be?
A good spot is about 20 to 50 feet from the party area. That is close enough for guests to find it, and far enough for privacy. Keep the door facing away from the patio. Pick firm, level ground, not a soft flower bed or a slope.
Get an itemized quote by text
Calling is fastest. A person in Midland answers live Monday–Saturday, 7 AM–7 PM.
(432) 239-8885Prefer to type? Send the details below and we text back an itemized quote within 1 business hour.
- Unit, days, delivery, pickup and tax on separate lines
- No fuel surcharge, no card fee
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before delivery