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1. What is a chemical toilet?

A chemical toilet is a privy having a water tight, impervious pail or tank containing a chemical solution placed immediately beneath the seat or urinal and a pipe or conduit connecting the riser with the tank.

2. What is a portable restroom unit?

A portable restroom unit is a trailer or skid-mounted temporary restroom facility that contains:
- Approved Waste Storage / Disposal Method
- Hand Washing Sink
- Integral Non-Hazardous Liquid Waste Holding Tank
- Sanitary Fixtures
- Shower
- Toilet
- Urinal

3. What is a portable waste holding tank?

A portable waste holding tank is a watertight container installed above ground and used to collect non-hazardous liquid waste from temporary facilities, such as office trailers and temporary kitchens.

4. How must the waste from a chemical toilet, portable restroom unit or portable waste holding tank be disposed?

The waste from a chemical toilet, portable restroom unit or portable waste holding tank is non-hazardous liquid waste (NHLW). NHLW must be disposed by an NHLW hauler permitted by Maricopa County. Ror a list of approved disposal sites, see the Non-Hazardous Liquid Waste Disposal Sites resource page.

5. Who has to have a chemical toilet permit, portable restroom unit or portable waste holding tank permit?

Chapter II, Section 6 of the Maricopa County Environmental Health Code states: “No person shall provide, for rent or hire portable, or install portable, nonpermanent chemical toilet facilities, portable restroom units, portable waste holding tanks, or an underground sewage vault unless the person holds a valid permit to do so.”

6. What are the chemical toilet, portable restroom unit and portable waste holding tank regulations?

Chemical toilets shall be constructed with floors of a smooth finished, nonabsorbent material. Seats, walls and ceilings must be of smooth, easily cleanable, light colored finish. The tank and bowl must be ventilated by means of a screened pipe at least 4 inches in diameter, which shall extend at least 6 inches above the roofline. Portable restroom units shall be constructed with floors of a smooth finished, nonabsorbent material. Seats, walls and ceiling shall be of smooth, easily cleanable, light-colored finish.

Waste holding tanks shall be structurally designed specifically for waste holding tank application and constructed from corrosion resistant, leak free, durable material. The tank and all waste plumbing shall be ventilated to drain all fixtures and minimize objectionable odors. Units shall be installed to allow unobstructed access for servicing equipment to remove waste.

A solution of sodium hydroxide or other approved chemical shall be maintained in the tank or receiving element of the chemical toilet at a level that prevents septicity and the creation of objectionable odors. All chemical toilets, portable restroom units and portable waste holding tanks shall be plainly and durably marked with the permit holder’s name and telephone number, in clear, easily readable letters, on outside of the toilet.

7. How often do chemical toilets, portable restroom units and portable waste holding tanks have to be serviced?

Chemical toilets, portable restroom units and portable waste holding tanks shall be emptied often enough to prevent overflowing, creation of an unsanitary condition, a health hazard or nuisance, and shall be maintained in good repair so as to prevent leakage of the contents to the surrounding ground or onto the floor or other portions of the structure.

8. Where can chemical toilets, portable restroom units and portable waste holding tanks be placed?

No toilet shall be installed within 20 feet of an occupied premise or within 10 feet of any public thoroughfare or sidewalk, unless authorized by the Solid Waste Program.

9. What is the blue liquid in the tank and why is it there?

The blue liquid is a solution of sodium hydroxide or other approved chemical. It is added to prevent the waste from turning septic and creating objectionable odors.

10. Are toilet facilities required on construction sites?

Chapter II, Section 6 of the Maricopa County Environmental Health Code states: “No person shall initiate or proceed with construction, erection, alteration, repair, or razing project without first having provided an adequate number of suitable sanitary job toilet facilities for the use of persons on the project in a ratio of at least one toilet per 20 persons. Such toilets shall be of the water-flushed or chemical type approved by the department and located on or within 200 feet of each work area within the project site.”

View the Health Code (PDF).

11. Are toilet facilities required at public gatherings?

Chapter II, Section 6 of the Maricopa County Environmental Health Code states: “At any public gathering for any commercial, religious or public event where adequate permanent toilet facilities are not provided on the immediate premises as required by State law, suitable approved sanitary toilet facilities of the water-flushed or chemical type adequate for the estimated attendance, shall be located within 200 feet of such gathering, with the minimum of 1 per 100 attendance or as required by the Health Officer.”

View the Health Code (PDF).

12. How much does a chemical toilet, portable restroom unit or portable waste holding tank permit cost?

Permit fees for chemical toilets, portable restroom units and portable waste holding tanks are based on the number of toilets being permitted. The fees for operating permits are listed in the fee schedule of Chapter I of the Maricopa County Environmental Health Code (PDF).

13. When does a chemical toilet, portable restroom units and portable waste holding tanks permit expire?

Chemical toilet, portable restroom unit and portable waste holding tank permits are issued for a period of 1 year. Permits may be renewed annually provided the permit holder is in compliance with the rules and regulations.

14. What is required to obtain a chemical toilet, portable restroom unit or portable waste holding tank permit?

A permit application must be completed and an inspection performed prior to a chemical toilet, portable restroom unit or portable waste holding tank permit being issued. When you contact the Solid Waste Program, an inspector will be assigned and meet with you at a location convenient to conduct the inspection and fill out the required documentation. Get this process started by contacting the Solid Waste Program.

15. When can I use my chemical toilet, portable restroom unit or portable waste holding tank?

All chemical toilets, portable restroom unit and portable waste holding tanks must be inspected and permitted before they can be used.

16. How do I apply for a chemical toilet, portable restroom unit or portable waste holding tank permit?

To apply for a chemical toilet, portable restroom unit or portable waste holding tank permit, please contact the Solid Waste Program.