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Portable toilets may not seem like a topic that will arise during a typical trivia night, but they actually have a long and fascinating history. From ancient Egypt through today, millions — or perhaps even billions — of individuals have benefited from the invention. Here are a few interesting facts about them.

5 Portable Toilet Facts

1. The First Modern Portable Toilets Were Used in Shipyards

Prior to the 1940s, ship workers had to return to the docks whenever they needed to use the restroom. To save time, transportable restrooms were developed, with stalls that allowed the worker to use the facilities while remaining on the ship in-progress.

2. Ancient Civilizations Needed Outdoor Toilets Too

The portable toilet as we know it may be a modern invention, but civilizations throughout history have needed ways to dispose of waste while away from the facilities. In the tomb of the ancient Egyptian official Kha, from the 14th century B.C., archaeologists discovered a sort of rudimentary portable bathroom. Designed as a wooden stool with a slot in the middle, it included a clay jar beneath the stool to catch the waste.

3. There Are Different Classes of Portable Restrooms

portable bathroomsNot all portable toilets are created equal. Some are designed for casual, everyday use at locations like construction sites and public parks. Others are made for more formal occasions and highbrow events. These are often set up in small trailers with heating and cooling, sinks with working plumbing, and other features.

4. The Blue Dye Keeps Bacteria From Spreading

In old Port-A-Potties, chemicals were used to neutralize odors directly, typically with formaldehyde as the key ingredient. These days, the blue dye you see sloshing around solves the smell problem by keeping the bacteria from multiplying. This helps with sanitation, odor, and general cleanliness.

5. Transportable Toilets Save Water

In America, toilets use more water than the majority of other household appliances. Every time you flush, gallons of water flow down the drain, despite recent legislation intended to limit this amount. Transportable toilets, on the other hand, don’t flush at all. An estimated 45 billion gallons of water are saved each year through this practice.

 

If you need to rent portable toilets in the area around Ironton, OH, then Johnny on the Spot is the best company to assist you. They’ve served the needs of their community for over 60 years, upholding stringent sanitation standards throughout that time. To learn more about the company, visit them online or call (888) 838-7768.

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