Summary:

• Portable toilets work by collecting waste in a sealed holding tank beneath the seat, using either chemicals to break down waste and control odours or connecting directly to a sewer system for flushing. Knowing how they work helps you choose the right type for your event, worksite, or temporary setup.

Ever found yourself wondering how portable toilets actually work?

You’re not the only one.

They’re used across worksites, festivals, events and emergencies every day, but most people don’t think twice about what’s going on behind the scenes. That’s what we’re here to unpack—so you know what you’re hiring or buying, how it works, and which setup makes the most sense for your job or event.

A Quick Look at the History of Portable Toilets

Before today’s high-spec, chemical-flushing, odour-controlled cubicles, there was… the thunderbox.

This Aussie invention was as basic as it gets—a wooden box with a hole in the top, often perched over a pit, and sometimes with a lid if you were lucky. The name is said to have come from the rather dramatic noises it made when in use. Charming.

Thunderboxes were common across Australia right up until the mid-20th century, especially in rural areas, military camps, and suburbs that hadn’t yet caught up with modern plumbing. They gave way to plumbed-in systems over time, but the need for something portable, practical and private never went away.

Modern portable toilets as we know them started gaining traction in the 1940s, first used in shipyards and on remote job sites. They’ve come a long way since then. Today, we’ve got lightweight, hygienic, chemical or sewer-connected units that are easy to install, service and move—used everywhere from major construction sites to high-end events across Australia.

How Portable Toilets Work (Explained Simply)

At a glance, most portable toilets look the same. They ‘usually’ have a seat, a door, and a bit of ventilation. But under the surface, there’s a simple system doing all the work.

All portable toilets are built around the same three basics:

1. A toilet seat
2. A holding tank
3. A flushing or waste treatment system

Depending on the type, that system will either rely on chemicals to break down waste and manage odours, or it will connect to a sewer line just like a regular plumbed toilet. Here’s how each works:

1. Chemical Toilets

Chemical toilets are fully self-contained units. Waste drops into a sealed tank beneath the seat, which contains a chemical solution designed to break down solids, reduce odours and disinfect the system.

These units also carry their own fresh water supply for flushing and handwashing, making them perfect for locations where there’s no sewer or water connection—such as events, festivals or remote job sites.

At Instant Toilets & Showers, we use specialist waste treatment chemicals that are eco-conscious, fast-acting and designed to keep things fresh between servicing.

Key features

• Doesn’t require plumbing or power
• Includes chemical flushing and deodorising
• Must be emptied and cleaned regularly

2. Sewer Connect Toilets

Sewer connect toilets work much like a traditional toilet at home. They require a connection to mains water and a sewer point to function. This means no chemicals, no holding tank and no need for regular pump-outs.

These are a great option for longer-term projects, permanent setups or sites where sewer infrastructure is available.

Our units are installed by licensed plumbers to ensure full compliance and hassle-free use.

Key features

• Plumbed in like a standard toilet
• No chemical treatment required
• Suited to long-term or high-traffic sites

Maintaining Portable Toilets: Hygiene and Servicing Tips

Understanding how to maintain portable toilets is equally important as understanding how portable toilets work.

Proper cleaning schedules and sanitation measures are key to maintaining hygiene in portable toilets. Instant Toilets & Showers takes sanitation and hygiene seriously which is why we have strict servicing schedules for our products.

Keeping portable toilets clean and hygienic is crucial to ensuring a comfortable experience for users. Here’s what it takes to keep a portable toilet clean, compliant and comfortable to use:

Regular Servicing

Toilets should be professionally serviced based on usage. This typically is done once or twice a week for worksites (depending on how many workers are on site), and daily or event-based for high-traffic hire. This includes:

• Pumping out waste
• Cleaning and disinfecting all surfaces
• Replenishing toilet paper, hand sanitiser and soap

Use the Right Chemicals

We use high-performance, eco-conscious waste treatment solutions from SAFE-T-FRESH that:

• Break down waste efficiently
• Neutralise odours
• Reduce harmful bacteria

This keeps the environment safe for users and staff, and makes disposal easier and more sustainable.

Want to know how we tackle odours on site? Check out our blog How Do I Stop My Portable Toilet From Smelling?

Encourage proper use

Simple signage or on-site instructions can help prevent misuse:

• No nappies, wipes or rubbish in the toilet
• Use bins provided for non-flushables
• Don’t force doors or block vents

Keep it ventilated

All our units come with built-in vents—but make sure they’re not blocked! Proper airflow helps minimise smells and keeps the interior fresher.

Provide hygiene stations

A clean toilet only goes so far if there’s no way to wash up. We always recommend pairing toilets with:

• Foot-pump handwashing stations
• Sanitiser stands
• Hot wash options (where available)

Which Portable Toilet is Right for Your Project?

Not all portable toilets are built the same. The right choice depends on how long you’ll need it, where it’s going, who will be using it, and what kind of experience you want to provide.

Here’s a breakdown of the most common options and when to use them.

1. Chemical toilets

These are the go-to units for short to medium-term use, especially where water and sewer connections aren’t available.

Best for:

• Construction sites
• Festivals and outdoor events
• Remote or temporary locations

They’re fully self-contained with built-in water for flushing and handwashing, and treated with Safe-T-Fresh chemicals to manage waste and control odours. We offer several models, depending on your space and capacity needs.

2. Sewer connect toilets

If your site has access to mains water and sewer, this is the low-maintenance option. No chemicals and no pump-outs are needed since they’re just like a regular toilet at home.

Best for:

• Long-term worksites
• Site offices or ablution blocks
• Semi-permanent projects

These units must be connected by a licensed plumber. We’ll help coordinate everything.

3. Luxury / VIP Portable Toilets

When you’re hosting guests—not just providing a toilet—this is the way to go. Our Six-Star portable toilet units offer upgraded interiors with lighting, mirrors, sinks, and climate control.

Best for:

• Weddings and private functions
• Corporate events
• Premium or ticketed experiences

4. Wheelchair Accessible toilets

Accessibility is essential for many public or government events. Our accessible toilets meet AS1428.1 standards and include ground-level access, handrails, and extra internal space.

Best for:

• Public events and festivals
• Government sites
• Inclusive workspaces

We also offer combined accessible toilet and shower units for extra flexibility.

5. Family or Baby-Changing Toilets

These larger units are designed to give families privacy, space, and a clean environment for nappy changes and toilet use.

Best for:

• Family-friendly events
• Community festivals
• Recreational facilities

They include baby change tables and more room for parents and carers to assist little ones.

Need help choosing the right portable toilet?

Understanding how portable toilets work enables you to appreciate the benefits and the convenience they offer, as well as make an informed decision about which portable toilet will work best for your needs.

With Instant Toilets & Showers, finding portable toilets for hire is a breeze, ensuring that your event, construction site, or camping trip has adequate and hygienic sanitation solutions. Choose wisely, and remember, an informed decision is always the best decision

For those in need of high-quality portable sanitation solutions, Instant Toilets & Showers offers a wide range of portable toilets for sale. Whether you’re looking to buy a portable toilet or explore various portable sanitation options, we provide top-quality products and services to ensure your needs are met. Visit us at 18 Rogers Way, Landsdale WA 6065 or contact us at 08 6325 4076 for 24/7 customer support.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main components of a portable toilet?

Most portable toilets include a toilet seat, sealed waste holding tank, flushing system, and often a built-in handwashing station. Higher-end models also feature lighting, sinks, mirrors and ventilation for improved hygiene and comfort.

How do chemical toilets work?

Chemical toilets use a sealed tank treated with specialised chemicals (like Safe-T-Fresh) to break down waste, reduce odours and control bacteria. They’re completely self-contained and perfect for sites without plumbing.

What is a sewer connect portable toilet?

A sewer connect toilet functions like a regular toilet but must be connected to a mains water supply and sewer point. It requires no chemicals or waste storage, making it perfect for long-term sites in WA where plumbing access is available.

How often should portable toilets be serviced?

That depends on usage, but most units should be serviced at least once a week. High-traffic sites may need daily cleaning, restocking and waste removal. At Instant Toilets & Showers, we tailor servicing plans to your location and usage.

Can portable uses be customized for different needs?

Absolutely. We offer a wide range of portable toilets for events, construction, family use and accessibility requirements. Options include:

• Wheelchair-accessible toilets (AS1428.1 compliant)
• Luxury VIP units
• Family-friendly models with baby-changing facilities
• Chemical and sewer-connected options for different setups

Scott Rawson

Managing Director at Instant Toilets & Showers

Scott Rawson is the Managing Director of Instant Products Group, a specialist group of companies that offer portable building solutions, including sea containers, transportable offices, and portable sanitation products. With more than 20 years of experience in various management positions and a finalist in the WA Business News 40 under 40 awards in 2013, Scott is a highly motivated entrepreneur that has a passion for designing products to suit the needs of individual markets. From the creation of Instant Products Group over 20 years ago, he has successfully grown the group into a multi-million dollar corporation and his success is widely recognised in Western Australia. Scott is dedicated to expanding Instant Products Group nationally and providing high-quality products to a range of sectors, including mining, engineering, property development, and government.