Configurations and price range
A standard 20ft unit (6000 × 3000 × 2800 mm) covers four common layouts. Prices are FOB factory, excluding freight, foundation and site connections.
| Layout | Cubicles | Suitable for | Indicative price (FOB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Male restroom | 4 squat/WC + 2 urinals | 40–60 people | from $2,200 |
| Female restroom | 4 WC, individual cubicles | 40–60 people | from $2,200 |
| Accessible restroom | 1 accessible + 1 standard | — | quoted per layout |
| Shower block | 6 stalls + changing area | 40–60 people | quoted per layout |
Three site conditions buyers miss: the waste outlet needs a sewer connection or an on-site septic tank (not part of the unit); the unit is pre-wired for 220V/110V with an extract fan, but the main distribution board is supplied on site; the ground needs drainage falls, or water pools at the cubicle bases.
See the ablution container product page for photos and full specification, and the container office guide for camp layout.
Quick Answer: How Many Toilets Do You Need?
As a working rule, provide one toilet per 15–20 users on a site or camp, plus handwash points and at least one accessible stall in any public or commercial block. In practice a 20ft container holds 2–4 stalls plus a handwash area, and a 40ft unit holds 6–8 stalls, a shower block, or a combination. Because a container is durable, lockable and relocatable, it is a better long-term answer than plastic portaloos on any project lasting more than a few weeks.
Why a Container Toilet or Restroom Block
A container makes a robust, movable sanitation block for construction sites, worker camps, events, parks, marinas and remote worksites:
- Durable — steel construction withstands weather, heavy use and rough sites.
- Private and comfortable — solid walls and doors, real fixtures and lighting.
- Reusable — relocate the block to the next project instead of renting again.
- Serviceable — plumbing, ventilation and finishes can be maintained like a building.
- Secure — lockable, so it does not become an after-hours liability.
Types and Capacity
| Type | Footprint | Capacity | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single portable toilet unit | 20ft | 1–2 stalls | Small sites, temporary use |
| Multi-stall restroom | 20ft | 2–4 stalls + handwash | Crews up to ~60 |
| Multi-stall restroom | 40ft | 6–8 stalls + handwash | Crews of 100+, camps, events |
| Accessible unit | 20ft / 40ft | 1 accessible stall + others | Public and commercial use |
| Shower / change block | 40ft | 4–8 showers + change | Camps, remote sites, marinas |
| Combined washroom | 40ft | Toilets + showers + laundry | Worker camps, long projects |
Plumbing: Mains vs Holding Tank
| Approach | How it works | Best when | Watch-outs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sewer / septic tie-in | Direct connection to mains or septic | Permanent or long-term sites with services nearby | Trenching and connection cost; confirm falls |
| Holding tank (black water) | Waste stored in an underslung or external tank | Sites without sewer access | Scheduled pump-out; size the tank to usage |
| Grey water | Handwash and shower water to soakaway or tank | Most installations | Keep separate from black water |
| Composting / dry | Waterless systems | Remote, water-scarce sites | Different servicing routine; user training |
Whatever the method, separate black water (toilets) from grey water (basins, showers), and size any holding tank against real daily usage — a 100-person camp generates far more volume than a small site office.
Ventilation and Odour Control
Odour is the main complaint about restroom blocks, and it is a design problem, not an inevitability:
- Extract at source — a powered extractor fan pulling from each stall or from the ceiling void.
- Passive vents — high-level vents let air move through the block even when power is off.
- Make-up air — provide a low-level inlet so the extractor has air to move.
- Seal the floor/wall junction and use coved, wipe-clean surfaces so odours and bacteria do not lodge.
- Non-slip flooring with a fall to a floor drain keeps the block dry and hygienic.
- Lighting inside and outside for safe night use.
Accessibility and Compliance
- Provide at least one accessible stall with a level or ramped approach, adequate internal turning space, grab rails and accessible fixtures.
- Follow local sanitation and plumbing codes for waste handling, connections and venting.
- Confirm electrical and plumbing sign-off requirements with the local authority.
- In public and commercial settings, check the required male/female and accessible stall ratios — these vary by jurisdiction.
- Plan cleaning and servicing access so waste and supplies can be handled without crossing clean areas.
Placement and Servicing
- Level, drained pad with a firm path for users and a clear route for service vehicles.
- Locate near work areas but not against occupied spaces where odour or noise would disturb them.
- Group handwash and sanitation at the entrance for a one-way, hygienic flow.
- Plan pump-out access for holding-tank units — the truck must be able to reach the connection point.
- Consider prevailing wind so extractor exhaust is carried away from work and living areas.
Cost Reality
| Option | Indicative cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Basic 20ft single toilet unit | ~$4,000–8,000 | Simple fit-out, holding tank |
| 20ft multi-stall (2–4 stalls) | ~$8,000–18,000 | Plumbing, ventilation, handwash |
| 40ft restroom block (6–8 stalls) | ~$15,000–35,000 | Crews of 100+; sewer or tank |
| Accessible unit | +$2,000–6,000 | Ramp, grab rails, wider layout |
| 40ft shower / change block | ~$18,000–40,000 | Showers, change, laundry option |
| Portable toilet rental (comparison) | $100–300 per unit per month | Never builds an asset; limited comfort |
Over a project lasting more than a few months, a fitted container block is usually cheaper than continued portaloo rental — and far more comfortable and secure.
Checklist Before You Order
- Calculate required stalls from peak user numbers (roughly 1 per 15–20 users).
- Decide mains connection or holding tank, and size the tank to usage.
- Confirm water supply for handwash and, if applicable, showers.
- Specify ventilation and lighting, including off-grid operation if needed.
- Include at least one accessible stall for public or commercial use.
- Plan servicing access for pump-out and cleaning.
- Confirm local sanitation and electrical requirements before fabrication.
FAQ
Can a container toilet connect to mains sewer?
Yes. Plumb the block directly to a sewer or septic connection where services are available. On sites without services, use a holding tank with scheduled pump-out, sized to daily usage.
Is a container restroom accessible?
It can and should be for public or commercial use. Design at least one accessible stall with a level or ramped approach, internal turning space, grab rails and accessible fixtures, and confirm the required ratios with the local authority.
How many people can one unit serve?
As a rule, provide one toilet per 15–20 users, plus handwash points. A 20ft unit with 2–4 stalls suits crews up to about 60 people; a 40ft block with 6–8 stalls suits 100 or more, or a mix of toilets and showers.
Is it weatherproof and secure?
Yes. Steel construction handles weather and heavy use, and the block locks for after-hours security — a significant advantage over plastic portaloos on unattended sites.
How do you stop the restroom smelling?
Extract air at source with a powered fan, provide passive high-level vents and a low-level make-up air inlet, use non-slip coved flooring with a floor drain, and keep surfaces wipe-clean. Odour is a ventilation problem, and it is solvable.
What is the difference between black water and grey water?
Black water is sewage from toilets and must go to a sewer, septic system or holding tank. Grey water is from basins and showers and can go to a soakaway or separate tank. Always keep the two systems separate.
Can a container restroom work off-grid?
Yes. A holding tank avoids sewer connection, and solar plus battery can power lighting and extractor fans. Water supply is the main constraint — include storage and, where necessary, a pump.
Is a container toilet cheaper than renting portaloos?
Over a project lasting more than a few months, usually yes. A fitted block costs more upfront but is reusable across projects, more comfortable, and far more secure than monthly portaloo rental.
