What restroom options work best for a film set?
Crew size and location drive the choice. A tight crew of 10 to 15 on a single-location shoot can run on a couple of standard porta potty rental units tucked behind base camp. Bigger productions, or anything with cast and network execs on site, usually call for a deluxe flushable porta potty or a full restroom trailer rental with running water and real stalls. A 2 stall restroom trailer handles a small unit crew fine; a 4 stall restroom trailer or 8 stall restroom trailer makes more sense once you pass 40 or 50 people between cast, crew and extras. OSHA 1926.51(c) sets the baseline for construction-style crews: 1 toilet for 20 workers or fewer, scaling up from there, and most location managers use that ratio even though a film set isn't a construction site. If the shoot needs generator-run lighting or heaters near the restroom area, coordinate a portable generator rental film crews can run off the same fuel plan as the grip truck, since restroom trailers with pumps and interior lights need their own power circuit separate from set electric. We also place light tower rental units and a temporary power pole when night shoots run past sunset. For multi-day shoots anywhere between downtown Salt Lake City and South Salt Lake, 7.9 miles south, delivery and pickup get scheduled around your shooting days, not a fixed weekly cycle.
How much does a film set restroom cost?
Pricing depends on unit type, how long you need it and whether you want it fully stocked with soap and paper the whole shoot. Below are the bands we work within for Salt Lake City productions.
| Unit | Day | Week | Month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard unit | $100 - $350 | $130 - $500 | $125 - $325 |
| Deluxe flushable | $85 - $1,200 | $150 - $290 | -- |
| ADA accessible | $200 - $400 | $240 - $400 | -- |
| Restroom trailer | $175 - $2,500 | $1,650 - $2,500 | -- |
A single-day location shoot often lands closer to the day-rate columns, while a multi-week production on a soundstage lot benefits from the weekly rate. Check the porta potty rental cost page for a fuller breakdown, or the restroom trailer rental cost page if a trailer is on the call sheet. Delivery fees run separately and depend on distance and access; a location out toward Bountiful, 9.9 miles northeast, or Layton, 24.7 miles north, may carry a higher delivery charge than a downtown Salt Lake City soundstage. For short weekend shoots, a standard unit rental often runs in the $125 to $400 weekend range, which can beat booking a full week if wrap is Sunday night. Ask about the porta potty rental per day rate if your schedule is still locked to a single shooting day.
Do film sets need ADA accessible restrooms?
Yes, if the shoot draws cast, crew or visitors who need accessible facilities, and it is good practice regardless of headcount. ADA Standards section 213.2 requires that where portable units are clustered, at least 5 percent must be accessible, with a minimum of one unit even on small setups. An ADA accessible porta potty unit needs a 60 inch turning circle per ADA Standards 304.3.1 and a clear door opening of at least 32 inches under ADA Standards 404.2.3, so placement on uneven lot terrain matters. We plan around a firm, slip-resistant ground surface per ADA Standards 302.1, which on a gravel backlot or a park location in Salt Lake City sometimes means laying mats before the unit goes down. If your crew is also doing craft services or scenic painting work with coatings or solvents, OSHA 1926.51(f)(1) requires washing facilities for that specific work, separate from general restroom counts, so a handwashing station rental or portable sink rental unit near the paint or fabrication area covers that requirement. For a full walkthrough of placement rules, see the ADA restroom requirements guide.
Beyond restrooms, most productions filming around Salt Lake City end up needing a roll-off dumpster rental for set strike, a temporary fence rental to secure a closed location overnight, or a storage container rental for wardrobe and equipment between shooting days. A mobile office trailer rental works well as a production office on location shoots that run longer than a few days. If the shoot is on a farm property or open land, check the farm and agricultural restrooms page, since access and setup differ from a paved lot.
How far in advance should we book restrooms for a film shoot?
Two to three weeks out is safest, especially for restroom trailers, since fewer units exist in that category and they book up during festival season. Last-minute changes happen on productions constantly; call and we will work with what is available, including emergency porta potty rental options.
Can restroom trailers run without hookups on a remote location?
Yes. Trailers carry their own holding tanks and battery or generator power, so they work on backlots, farm fields or closed streets without existing utilities. Confirm ground clearance and a level parking spot when you book.
Are quiet generators available for restroom trailers on a live sound set?
We coordinate delivery timing so generator noise does not conflict with your sound department's schedule, and can discuss quieter power options depending on the trailer model and crew needs.
What if our shoot location changes after we book?
Call as soon as the location shifts. We often can redirect the delivery, though added mileage between the original and new site may adjust the delivery fee depending on distance.
Do you provide restrooms for productions outside Salt Lake City proper?
Yes, including Murray, 11.6 miles south, and Millcreek, 12.5 miles southeast. Check the service areas page or request a quote with your exact location for accurate delivery pricing.
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