5 Mistakes Event Planners Make with Sanitation (and How to Avoid Them)
When planning an event, organizers focus on entertainment, catering, and logistics—but sanitation often gets overlooked. Poor planning in this area can lead to unhappy guests, health risks, and even regulatory issues. To ensure your event runs smoothly, avoid these five common sanitation mistakes.
1. Underestimating the Need for Mobile Toilets
One of the biggest mistakes event planners make is not providing enough mobile toilets. When guests have to wait in long lines, it leads to frustration and discomfort. A general rule of thumb is to have at least one portable restroom per 50 attendees for a standard event, with additional units for high-traffic areas or longer events.
Solution: Work with a reputable sanitation provider to assess your event size, duration, and expected foot traffic.
2. Poor Placement of Sanitation Stations
Even if you have enough mobile toilets, their placement matters. If they’re too far from the main event area, guests might avoid using them, leading to unsanitary conditions elsewhere.
Solution: Position restrooms strategically—near food and drink stations, but not too close. Ensure they’re well-lit and easy to find with clear signage.
3. Not Providing Hand washing or Sanitizing Stations
Restroom facilities alone aren’t enough. Without proper hand washing stations or hand sanitizers, guests risk spreading germs, which can lead to health concerns.
Solution: Always include hand washing stations or sanitizer dispensers near restrooms and food areas. Touchless options are a great way to improve hygiene and convenience.
4. Ignoring Regular Maintenance and Cleaning
Even the best mobile toilets can become unpleasant if they’re not cleaned and restocked throughout the event. Overflowing trash bins, empty soap dispensers, and dirty restrooms create a negative experience for attendees.
Solution: Hire a sanitation team to monitor and clean facilities regularly. Schedule frequent check-ins to restock toilet paper, soap, and hand sanitizer.
5. Forgetting Special Accommodations
Not all guests have the same needs. Failing to provide accessible restrooms for individuals with disabilities can result in discomfort and even legal consequences.
Solution: Ensure a portion of your mobile toilet rentals are ADA-compliant, with wheelchair access and handrails. Also, consider family-friendly restrooms for parents with small children.
Final Thoughts
Proper sanitation is essential for guest satisfaction and public health. By planning ahead and avoiding these common mistakes, event planners can create a cleaner, safer, and more enjoyable experience for everyone.
Need reliable mobile toilets for your next event? Check out Sachio Mobile Toilets for high-quality portable restroom rentals and expert event sanitation solutions.