Who Invented Porta Potties and Other Interesting Portable Toilet Facts

Porta potties have a long, interesting history starting from very specific use to now becoming part of every-day life at job sites, outdoor gatherings, and sporting events.

One of the first recorded uses of a portable toilet was in England hundreds of years ago. The solution for a portable facility even extended to the Royal Family.

Portable toilets then grew in prominence during World War II in the 1940s. They were used on airplanes to support airmen on long flights and in shipyards to save time for sailors. This time period contributed to the first official portable toilet.

During World War II, a man named George Harding worked in the U.S. War Department. He was credited with several innovations, which then led to him inventing a “polyethylene plastic portable restroom” in the 1960s. Thus, the first U.S. patent for a portable restroom was issued to Harding.

Other Portable Toilet Facts and Stats

A half-century after the first portable toilet was patented, the industry continues to grow at a rapid pace. Portable toilets support construction companies, event planners, and homebuilders every day. Consider these interesting facts and statistics about the common use of portable toilets in today’s world:

– The U.S. portable industry generated an estimated $2.0 billion in revenue in 2018.

13,560 individuals are employed in the U.S. portable toilet industry.

45 billion gallons of fresh water are saved annually through the use of portable restrooms, according to the Portable Sanitation Association International.

Over time, the quality of portable toilets has improved to ensure a great user experience. Plus, the rise of luxury restroom trailers has contributed to the growth of the industry.

Texas Outhouse is prepared to provide the highest quality portable toilets at your construction site, event, or home building project in the Greater Houston area. We also offer an extensive line of luxury restroom trailers in our expanded service area throughout Texas and into Louisiana.

To discuss your specific needs, please contact us directly at 713-785-8050. You can also provide us with information about your service needs by completing this form or emailing [email protected].