History of Portable Toilets

Look How Far We’ve Come!

With all of the things you have on your mind these days, you probably haven’t given much, or any, thought to the history of moveable / portable toilets. But it’s not uninteresting!

Portable toilets are first noted in ancient Egypt and were clay pots sitting under stools. While most people still used the ground, these were used by the upper crust. (The more things change...) These people were sometimes buried with their porta-potties, because, well, you never know what you’ll need and when.

The Middle Ages brought the chamber pot. Regular folk could use them and then empty them into the streets. The uppers had staff to empty them, of course. The pots were generally kept under beds or in bedside cabinets. A specially designed chamber pot called the Bourdaloue was specifically meant for females. Its shape made it convenient to be used by the women while squatting or standing, hidden under the large skirts of the ladies who used them. The name “Bourdaloue” is attributed to the name of the French priest, Louis Bourdaloue (1632-1704). The priest was known to deliver long sermons so the women would have their maids carry these pots under their dresses so that they could use them discreetly without leaving the premises.

You might be familiar with an outhouse? They appear throughout history, and comic strips, and can still be found in some rural areas, and may be considered portable, since once the hole they’re placed over fills up, you can just move the outside a few feet. You just have to cover the first hole with dirt and then dig a new one. And on and on. 

The first portable toilets that look like anything we’re familiar with today were created during the 1940s during World War II. They were made of wood and metal and were used in the shipyards of Long Beach to save time for the workers who were going back and forth to the docks to use the facilities. The same materials were used to the make the ones that gained popularity during the 50s and 60s and which were used by construction firms and event organizers. Fiberglass started to replace the wood and metal during the 70s. Welcome plastic in the 80s! It’s light and easier to clean. And then... hang on... chemicals were developed to biodegrade solid waste so that toilets would smell better. Ahhhh.

Which brings you, more or less, to us! If you’re planning any kind of outdoor activity please consider using our services. Or any activity where guests will be roaming indoors and out. Click here for FAQs. If you have questions that aren’t answered there, please call us at 800.946.9610. We encourage questions about any of the services we offer. You might also be interested in the VIP and ADA Accessible Restroom trailers we offer for whatever wonderful event you’re planning. We have portable showers, too!

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