Most people don't give much thought to portable toilets – until they really need one! It is then, that portable toilets are sought out like a heat-seeking missile and appreciated, beyond measure! One could say that portable toilets are a bit like unsung heroes – they do a lot to contribute to disaster relief and outdoor events, and more, but seldom get a lot of recognition for a 'job well done'.
After reading these fascinating facts about portable toilets, however, you just might gain an entirely new perspective concerning these marvelous, mobile commodes.
Portable Toilets Have a Long History
Yes, it's a fact that portable toilets don't receive the kind of credit they are due, but here's a fact that's even more interesting: portable toilets, in simplified form, were in use as far back as 6,000 BC in a multitude of kingdoms and dynasties. Their historic role has been revealed in unearthed remains as well as being documented in ancient writings. Though it took thousands of years for portable toilets to reach the status and recognition they have today, the real genesis with the evolution of the portable toilet is quite recent: their use in California shipyards of the 1940s. It was during this time when shipbuilders on the west coast had no restroom facilities in close proximity to where they worked. As a result, whenever nature called, shipbuilders were forced to walk back to the main dock area to use the bathroom facilities, there. Needless to say, valuable work time was being lost.
As fate would have it, an astute ship-building supervisor came up with the clever idea to bring portable commodes to the men and, thereby, optimize construction time. The idea caught on and productivity was enhanced. The only problem with these early versions of portable toilets was the sanitation – they were made of odor-absorbing wood walls with pots that had no flushing capabilities. Though they served their purpose, insightful entrepreneurs, within a decade, realized that modified and cleaner portable toilets could become a coveted commodity – they were right! New materials, new designs, and clever innovations transformed the smelly portable toilets of California shipyards to the highly-sanitized, amenity-filled portable restrooms we enjoy, today.
'Portable Toilet' vs 'Water Closet' vs 'Honey Bucket'
A slew of words are used to describe portable toilets, and they all offer the same thing, in terms of function. However, higher-end portable restrooms, such as luxury restroom trailers, offer a whole new dimension in the portable restroom experience – but more about them, in a minute.
The labels, below, all deal with portable toilets in one form or another, and their functions are identical: they provide welcomed relief whenever the need arises at festivals, private parties, sports events, concerts, presidential inaugurations – you name it, portable toilets are there!
*** Portable restrooms
*** Porta-loo
*** Johnny-on-the-spot
*** Honey bucket
*** Porta-potty
*** Porta-john
*** Bucket toilet
*** Temporary toilet
*** Outdoor cubicle
*** Commode chair
*** Freezing toilet
*** Sani-privy
*** Turdis
*** Water Closet or WC (a mostly-European term for outdoor and indoor restrooms)
The End One Could Be the Cleanest
After some extensive research, by psychologists, on the topic of human bathroom behavior, it was determined that restroom stalls within a building as well as outdoor portable toilets lined up in a row will have two units that offer the most cleanliness – the ones on both ends. Psychologists tell us that people have a natural desire to feel maximally safe, secure and hidden when using the toilet. Being surrounded on all sides by multiple toilet units or stalls helps to create an enhanced feeling of privacy – hence, the two units on either end are used the least and are, therefore, the cleanest – at least, theoretically.
Psychology Today shares an interesting and predictable fact: if people are given a line of identical options, people 'reliably prefer the middle one'. A few more interesting facts about human bathroom behavior include the following: 1) on average, women spend twice as long in a bathroom as men 2) 75% of people use their phones while sitting on the 'throne' 3) 10% of bathroom users make online purchases while doing their business and 4) 8% of people actually eat food while in the sitting position in a bathroom – probably not a good choice.
Portable-Toilet Evolution Goes Well Beyond Users' Needs
Once we realize portable toilets have been in existence, in one form or another, for thousands of years, we should feel very glad that mobile toilets have been modified from horribly primitive to posh and pristine. This is where elegant luxury restroom trailers come in. These beauties are not known by the average person unless one were to attend an outdoor gathering that offered them. Upscale occasions such as stunning outdoor weddings, corporate picnics, professional golf tournaments, tented cocktail parties, and other fine events utilize luxury restroom trailers due to their handsome, streamlined exteriors and stunning, amenity-filled interiors. Flushing toilets, sinks with running water, temperature-control for any season, and other impressive features grace the inside of these lovely mobile restrooms. Luxury restroom trailers are the antithesis of those used on the California shipyards of the 1940s and offer an impressive dose of class and sophistication to any event.
It would be remiss not to mention portable toilets that may not be as extravagant as luxury restroom trailers, but still provide plenty of comfort and pleasing aesthetics. Less-elegant portable toilets have lovely interiors and offer price points that accommodate any budget. Models that are more basic are perfect for more personal gatherings such as family reunions, birthday and anniversary celebrations, graduation parties, and much more! Any occasion and any budget can enjoy the convenience of portable toilets!
Science and technology have played a big role in the evolution of portable toilets, as well. The management of waste, for example, utilizes special chemicals that deodorize and sanitize. The
plumbing in portable toilets is hidden, and all waste tanks are super-sealed to trap and hold any unpleasant smells.
Additionally, non-formaldehyde-based deodorizers contain 'biocides' that not only mask smells but keep odor-causing bacteria from profusely multiplying. Flushing commodes and sinks with soap and running water keep odors and germs to a minimum, as well – science and technology have made it all happen!
Luxury Portable Restrooms – A Cut Above the Rest
As mentioned, luxury portable restrooms have an elegant ambiance – an ambiance that parallels restrooms one would find in a fine hotel. At Chem Can, our luxury portable restrooms offer everything your most-discerning guests would appreciate: flushing toilets, spacious vanities with polished sinks and running water, temperature-controlled interiors to cater to any season, private stalls, beautiful cabinetry, indoor and outdoor lighting, tastefully-designed interior décor – they truly are beautiful!
Luxury portable restrooms create first impressions that are long remembered! Some of our units are designed to accommodate 10 users, simultaneously. Class and comfort are what luxury portable restrooms are all about!