A Brief History of Portable Sanitation

The concept of portable sanitation, a fundamental aspect of public health and hygiene, has evolved significantly over the centuries. 

Portable sanitation's roots can be traced back to ancient times when Romans used chamber pots that could be emptied and cleaned. Similarly, in medieval times, people used simple wooden structures with seats placed over pits, which could be moved as needed.

World War II and the Modern Era

The widespread use of portable sanitation units as we know them today began during World War II, where the need for mobile, hygienic toilet facilities can be traced back to the Naval Shipyards in Long Beach, CA. This necessity spurred the development of more durable and user-friendly units, away from handmade wooden units, leading to the fiberglass and eventually the polyethylene, or plastic, units that are common today. Further leading to the professionalization of the industry, the Portable Sanitation Association International (PSAI) formed in 1971.   

Innovation and Technology

Modern portable toilets are designed with eco-friendly materials and waste management systems, reducing their environmental impact and promoting sustainability.

Single unit portable sanitation units have transitioned to luxury portable trailers at upscale events and other locations to offer flushing mechanisms, handwashing stations, and even solar-powered lighting, to provide a level of convenience and cleanliness that aligns with modern expectations.