Accessible Toilet Hire Basics for Events and Sites

Accessible portable toilets are the item most often left until last and most often specified wrong. The unit itself is straightforward to hire — what catches people out is the approach to it.

Check the approach first

An accessible unit is useless if a wheelchair user cannot reach it. Before you decide where units go:

• Continuous accessible path of travel from the main event or site circulation area to the unit door — not across grass, not up a kerb, not through a gravel car park.
• Firm and stable surface. Grass and gravel are the two most common failures. Matting or a prepared pad may be needed.
• Reasonably level. Both the approach and the placement pad.
• Clear space at the door for a wheelchair to manoeuvre and for the door to swing.
• Not at the far end of the site. Distance is an access barrier in its own right.

Tell the supplier the actual surface and send photographs. They deal with this constantly and will tell you what the unit needs.

Ask what is actually included

Accessible units vary between suppliers and fleets. Confirm:

• Internal clearance and turning space dimensions.
• Grab rails — location and configuration.
• Ramp or low threshold, and the ramp gradient if supplied.
• Door width and whether it opens outward.
• Whether a basin is included internally, or a separate handwash station is needed.
• Delivery, collection and servicing arrangements, which may differ from standard units because the unit is larger.

Do not assume a unit labelled "accessible" meets a specific standard — ask for the dimensions.

How many do you need

Plan at least one accessible unit for any public event, whatever the headcount. Scale up for:

• Larger events, in rough proportion to the standard unit count.
• Events likely to include a higher proportion of users with access needs.
• Events with widely separated activity areas — one accessible unit at each.
• Multi-day events, where a single unit out of service leaves no fallback.

Count accessible units as a separate line in your plan. They are not part of your standard total.

Sites and workplaces

On a construction site or workplace, accessible facilities may be required where a worker needs them, and WHS duties around adequate facilities apply to all workers. Requirements depend on the workplace, the jurisdiction and the individual circumstances — confirm with your regulator rather than assuming a standard site setup is sufficient.

Indicative cost

	Event weekend	Weekly
Accessible unit	$330 – $520	$240 – $380
Standard portaloo	$220 – $380	$150 – $250

The premium reflects a larger, heavier unit that occupies more truck space and forms a smaller share of most fleets — which is also why they run out earlier in peak season. Book accessible units early.

Responsibility sits with the organiser

Suppliers can advise on placement and unit capability, but the event organiser or site controller remains responsible for checking the rules applicable to the project, venue and jurisdiction. Council event permits often specify accessible facility requirements directly, so read the permit conditions before finalising your plan.

Full price bands are in the cost guide. To compare suppliers, see accessible toilet hire.