Managing Portable Toilet Contamination Exposures

As outbreaks of bacterial infections increase the need for portable toilets, portable sanitation companies must ensure their contamination exposures are well controlled.

Recent Bacterial Outbreaks

According to San Jose Spotlight, a Shigella outbreak occurred among a homeless encampment in San Jose, California, over the summer. There were three confirmed cases as well as 19 suspected cases. To prevent further spread, city officials are adding more portable toilets and handwashing stations, which they will be cleaning regularly.

This is not the only Shigella outbreak. CBS news says there was also an outbreak in Santa Cruz, California, in early 2024. At least 27 cases were reported, most of which occurred among homeless individuals.

The CDC says Shigella are bacteria that cause an infection known as shigellosis. Every year, there are approximately 450,000 cases of shigellosis in the U.S. The bacteria spread through contaminated food and water as well as human waste and contaminated surfaces or objects.

A Growing Challenge

According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, 2023 saw a record high of 256,610 unsheltered people, which is more than a third of all homeless people. Additionally, the number of people who entered an emergency shelter for the first time increased by more than 23% between 2019 and 2023 and the number of chronically homeless individuals experiencing homelessness increased by 12% between 2022 and 2023.

The CDC says homeless people are particularly vulnerable to Shigella infection. As the problem of homelessness increases in the U.S., the risk of infection will likely also increase. Other diseases may also spread. For example, the Los Angeles Times says hepatitis A has been spreading among the homeless population in Los Angeles.

To deal with the sanitation challenges that come with rising homelessness, some cities have invested in additional portable toilets. In addition to the increase in San Jose, Portland says it added 100 portable toilets to serve people experiencing homelessness.

Portable Toilet Contamination Risks

Although portable toilets increase sanitation among homeless populations and reduce the spread of bacterial and viral infections, there is also a risk that portable toilets could become a contact hub for diseases if they are not well maintained.

• People using portable toilets could be exposed to infection. If the toilets become contaminated and are not cleaned sufficiently, anyone who uses them could be at risk.
• Portable sanitation workers could be exposed to infection. If workers do not use appropriate safeguards to protect themselves while cleaning the portable toilets, they could become sick.
• Leaks from portable toilets could spread contamination. If the holding tank leaks or a leak occurs while the portable toilet is being serviced, the surrounding environment may be contaminated.

Keeping Portable Toilets Sanitary

To keep users, workers, and the community safe, it’s important to practice proper maintenance.

• Make sure you place portable toilets on firm and level ground. If the toilet tips over, waste may spill out, contaminating the nearby area.
• Empty and clean portable toilets regularly. It’s important to conduct deep cleanings to prevent the spread of disease.
• Train workers on proper procedures. If workers make mistakes or cut corners, they may contribute to the spread of disease. For example, a worker who does not empty toilets correctly could cause runoff to contaminate the area and a worker who does not clean toilets thoroughly could leave behind dangerous germs.
• Provide workers with appropriate personal protective equipment. To avoid exposure to germs, workers need appropriate safety gear, such as gloves, disposable boot coverings, eye protection, and masks.
• Offer hand washing or hand sanitizer stations. People need to disinfect their hands after using the toilet to stop the spread of germs, but they can’t do this if there’s not a sink or hand sanitizer around. Portable sanitation companies can help prevent the spread of disease by offering portable handwashing stations or hand sanitizer dispensers. Companies can also earn additional revenue by offering these amenities, making it a win-win solution for everyone. Make sure you refill soap or hand sanitizer solutions as needed.

Are Your Contamination Exposures Controlled?

As demand for portable toilets grows, portable sanitation companies must find new ways to manage the growing risk of bacterial infection as well as other exposures.

Tangram offers insurance designed for the portable sanitation sector, including general liability, property, inland marine, auto, and umbrella insurance and workers’ compensation. Learn more.