There was no shortage of innovative portable sanitation technology at the 29th annual Pumper & Cleaner Environmental Expo International, Feb. 25-28, in Louisville, Ky. And despite concerns about a down economy, the event attracted 8,868 attendees and 3,780 companies. A total of 519 exhibitors displayed the latest in upscale restroom trailers, lighting, accessories, management software and environmentally friendly deodorizers.
Here’s a sampling of what attendees found on the show floor:
EASY-ASSEMBLY RESTROOM
PolyJohn Enterprises Corp. unveiled a new restroom design that aims at greater strength and rigidity in a unit that can be assembled easily with a few tools and the fewest possible fasteners. The yet-unnamed-restroom model has some of the same convenience features as the longstanding PJ3 restroom, but has been engineered with a stronger base, corners and roof. Most of the components can be snapped together, while the unit has only two rivets, used to attach the toilet paper dispenser. The restroom replaces the traditional one-piece skid with four feet that are anchored from all sides for greater strength. The roof is rotational molded, the door has a twin-sheet thermoformed design, and many smooth interior surfaces promote easy cleaning. The corner tank placement makes a roomier cabin and minimizes spillage in the event of a tip-over. The unit is 48 inches deep, 43 1/2 inches wide and 92 inches tall and weighs 170 pounds. 800/292-1305; www.polyjohn.com.
STYLIZED PORTABLE RESTROOM
Hampel Corp. debuted the Sunrise portable restroom, a curvier unit designed to make a fashion statement at special event placements. The unit uses decorative panels that bulge outward to provide a modern look and enhance roominess. The panels incorporate a large oval-shaped flat surface on all four sides for improved signage opportunities. The units come in three configurations: the Standard model with single-wall construction and traditional T-extrusions at the corners; a Twin Lock model with replaceable interior wall panels; and the Heavy Duty model, with beefier corners for increased durability. The Sunrise door is 27 1/2 inches wide, 4 inches wider that previous restrooms, and features a three-roll toilet paper holder and a shelf with an integrated coat hook. Though it has a new appearance, the unit retains popular features from the standard Global model, including an offset holding tank and Dirt Buster base. The unit carries a lifetime warranty on door handles, springs, hinges and corner extrusions, and a 10-year warranty on other components. 800/549-1558; www.hampelcorp.com.
PRIVACY SHOWER TRAILER
Ameri-Can Engineering introduced its 837 Shower Trailer with 10 individual shower cabins, on-demand hot water and integrated 1,450-gallon wastewater tank. Rather than split the trailer into dedicated men’s and women’s rooms with shower units, the trailer has 10 unisex stalls for enhanced privacy and better customer flow. The model can be outfitted with four to 18 showers to fit a variety of needs. Using a mitigating tank system, instant water heaters and a simple mixing valve design, the unit provides consistent 101-degree water, 20 pounds of water pressure and a 1.5 gpm flow. A pushbutton control provides a measured amount of water, preventing depleted freshwater supplies due to a valve being left open. Showerheads have a variety of massage features. Each cabin has heat, air conditioning and ventilation. With plastic-coated walls and one-piece rubberized floor, the interiors are easily washed between users. The triple-axle trailer has an aluminum exterior. 574/892-5151; www.ameri-can.com.
RESTROOM TRAILER AMBIENCE
Rich Restrooms introduced two new restroom trailers, the mid-level Everest and the upscale Ritz, aimed at special events customers. Both models utilize an aluminum frame and durable, dent-resistant and paintable fiberglass gel coat exterior walls and water-resistant floor decking laminated on both sides. The Everest features foot flush RV-type porcelain toilets that use one pint of water per flush. The CT817 model at the Expo had three toilets on the women’s side and one toilet and two urinals on the men’s side. The Ritz uses an electric toilet with a wall switch for flushing. The SP816 model at the Expo had two toilets on the women’s side and one toilet and one urinal on the men’s side. The Everest interior is designed with durable materials for heavy use, while the Ritz features maple cabinets and an electric fireplace/heater for an upscale appearance. 260/593-2279; www.richrestrooms.com.
PORTABLE SHOWER
PolyPortables introduced its individual Fresh Start shower. The unit features an on-demand propane-fueled hot water system, separate hot/cold water controls and 1.4 gallon-per-minute shower head flow rate. A 20-gallon propane tank provides 18 hours of use and larger tanks can be used. The containment skid collects 18 gallons of graywater through the grated floor and a containment tray collects another 25 gallons. The shower unit includes a spray soap dispenser, coat hooks, vanity shelf and comes in 14 standard colors. It has an interior height of 83.5 inches, stands on a 41-inch square base and weighs 154 pounds with skid and heating unit. 800/241-7951; www.polyportables.com.
SHAPELY PINK RESTROOM
The pink PortaJane restroom from portajane.com was displayed as a women’s-only restroom with a standard flushing feature and breast cancer awareness theme. With panels manufactured by Allied Plastics Inc., the PortaJane design incorporates an hourglass look with cutouts in the back corners. The thermoformed front and side walls feature the recognizable breast cancer awareness ribbon design. The 40-gallon waste tank and other components are built by PolyJohn Enterprises. A sink is the only option available on the PortaJane, with paper towel dispenser, hand sanitizer, flex ventilation pipe, hover handle, coat hooks, shelf and mirror as standard equipment. 970/729-1232; www.portajane.com.
RESTROOM MOVER
Allied Forward Motion introduced its collapsible Mini-Metro Mover portable restroom dolly. The mover weights 52 pounds and measures 15 inches wide, 48 inches long and 26 inches high when folded. The space-saving device features four pneumatic tires and steel construction. 920/493-2987.
E-MAIL INVOICING, BILL PAYMENT
Clear Computing Inc. introduced the Total Activity Control 2009.next bulk e-mail invoicing and secure online bill payment program. The operations management software is designed to save processing time and postage costs. Other features include the ability to customize reports, view multiple panels and work with existing mapping tools, such as Google, Yahoo and Microsoft. The program also offers advanced routing and optimization, including forced start-of-day service and end-of-day service. 888/332-5327; www.clearcomputing.com.
PORTABLE SINK ON WHEELS
The TJ Jr. single sink from the T.S.F. Company Inc. is designed for ultimate portability, sized to fit in any T.S.F. restroom for convenient transport to the jobsite and featuring 12-inch wheels to easily roll over any terrain, whether empty or full. The one-piece unit that debuted at the Pumper & Cleaner Expo is rotomolded for sturdy construction and smooth surfaces throughout. It holds 20 gallons of freshwater in a perimeter tank. Graywater is emptied into a central sump for easy cleaning. The sink comes in blue, green, tan and gray. 800/843-9286; www.tuff-jon.com.
SOLAR RESTROOM LIGHT
The MoonLite solar-powered light from Dr. Shrink Inc. offered a simple roof-mounted retrofit to bring light into portable restrooms. All that’s required to install the light is a hole drilled in the restroom roof to attach the interior light unit to the exterior solar collector. The 0.5-watt LED lamp, powered by two rechargeable AA batteries, has a life expectancy of 60,000 to 100,000 hours and can run up to four nights without a charge. The light automatically turns on at dusk and off at dawn. There is an on-off feature to turn off the lamp when the restroom is not in use. 800/968-5147; www.dr-shrink.com.
PORTABLE VACUUM SYSTEM
Armal Inc. introduced the T-Easy vacuum tank, designed for servicing portable restrooms in close quarters, including construction sites, campgrounds and special events. Available in two sizes, Model 1000 offers 336 gallons of waste capacity, 114 gallons of freshwater and weighs 1,300 pounds. Model 1300 offers 528 gallons of waste capacity, 153 gallons of freshwater and weighs 1,653 pounds. The unit also features a self-retracting washing hose. 866/873-7796; www.armal.biz.
DEBRIS COLLECTOR
Imperial Industries Inc. introduced its Aluminum Debris Collector for screening septage and portable sanitation waste at the tank discharge. Though aimed at mainly septage land application users, the tank with a 3-foot stainless steel screening comb can also be used for initial screening of waste being transferred to a storage tank. Once the unit is mounted to a truck via 2-inch receiver bars, waste runs through a 6-inch inlet and is screened through the comb with 3/8-inch teeth. Trash is trapped by the comb and the tank can be periodically cleaned through an end cap. The unit has grab handles for easy installation. The manufacturer builds a variety of spreading pans at angles to match different discharge configurations. 800/558-2945; www.imperialind.com.
PRIVACY RESTROOM TRAILER
Wells Cargo COG introduced the Comfort Elite X restroom trailer, featuring five individual unisex restrooms on each side of the 20-foot trailer and four exterior sinks at the rear. The trailer is designed for heavy special event use, with spray-on liner for the floors, heavy-duty doors and hinges, stainless steel sinks, aluminum exterior, easy wash-down cleaning and hand sanitizers in addition to the sinks. The trailer has a hydraulic lowering system with leveling jacks to eliminate the need for stairs and railings and removable drawbar/hitch for a clean look. It uses a pushbutton vacuum flush toilet and macerating pump to liquefy waste, which reduces demand for freshwater and increases efficiency. Waste is pumped to an exterior holding tank or directly into a sewer. Utilizing fluorescent lighting, the entire unit is powered by two 15-amp, 110-volt outlets. 888/574-4222; www.wellscargocog.com.
DEODORIZER PUMP
No mess was the word on J & J Chemical Co.’s maintenance-free GoatThroat GT300 liquid deodorizer pail and hand pump. Designed for a 5-, 7-, or 15-gallon pail, 55-gallon drum or 275-gallon tote, the pump dispenses precisely measured amounts of deodorizer with one touch of the tap. An internal pressure relief valve prevents over-pressurizing the deodorizer container. 800/345-3303; www.jjchem.com.
UPSCALE CUSTOM TRAILER
JAG Mobile Solutions teamed with Louisiana-based portable sanitation company Elite Portable Restrooms and Showers Inc. to produce a luxury 18-foot special events restroom trailer displayed at the Expo. The unit features rich accents, including African walnut and cork flooring, bamboo accent walls, custom floating cabinet and Corian countertops, flat panel televisions, vessel sinks, hands-free faucets, recessed lighting and an entertainment system with iPod. Components, including low-flow flush valves, were selected with “green” solutions in mind. The exterior features gold seamless laminated fiberglass side panels, custom paint, integrated skirts and a seamless triple-sealed roof. 800/815-2557; www.jagmobilesolutions.com.
ALFALFA URINAL BLOCKS
Earth Friendly displayed EnviroMint urinal blocks made from alfalfa. The 3-ounce blocks are designed to work beyond 30 days and 2,000 flushes. They also are made to prevent mineral deposits and stains, while neutralizing and emulsifying oils and grease. The blocks are available in five different fragrances: cherry, NaturFresh, pine, lemon and bouquet. 800/753-1548; www.earthfriendlychemicals.com.
COMPACT TRIPLE-CABIN TRAILER
The 14-foot Three Room Trailer from Black Tie Manufacturing was built specifically for Wisconsin-based Arnold’s Environmental Services and includes three private unisex restrooms, components for cold-weather service and upgraded entry steps with a deck. Each chamber has its own sink and decorative wood trim. The trailer has an integrated 225-gallon freshwater tank and 450-gallon wastewater capacity. Insulation and heating pads keep the tanks from freezing. 877/253-3533; www.blacktiemanufacturing.com.
SUPERSIZED CONSTRUCTION SERVICE
DropBox Inc. displayed the 40-foot Sanitation Station running water restroom for busy industrial or construction site settings. The modified storage container offers a men’s side with three toilet stalls and a women’s side with a single toilet. The unit has a 2,100-gallon tank for freshwater and wastewater and operates with a 220-volt, single-phase hookup. The unit is insulated, has air conditioning and heating for comfortable use in any weather and is built with a rugged Rhino Liner interior floor for durability and easy cleaning. The heavy-duty unit is meant to augment traditional portable restrooms, typically placed at busier central break areas at large worksites. 888/388-7738; www.dropboxinc.com.
NEW BRANDING FOR ASPEN, K2 RESTROOMS
Satellite Industries Inc. reintroduced the stylish Aspen and K2 restrooms formerly produced by Five Peaks Technology. Satellite is rebranding the restrooms under its company name, including the patriotic red, white and blue Aspen model shown at the Expo. The units combine a bold, angular design on the outside with a host of convenience features on the interior, including cupholder, coat hook and three-roll toilet paper holder. The units also feature molded-in skid grab handles and heavy-duty twin-sheet door and jam for added durability. The K2 adds dual panel walls for easy cleaning and enhanced appearance. 800/328-3332; www.satelliteindustries.com.
RESTROOM TRAILER FROM MEXICO
Escumovil showed the Zapata Series restroom trailer manufactured in Guadalajara, Mexico. The 18-foot unit on display had two toilets on the women’s side and one toilet and three urinals on the men’s side. The Zapata comes in sizes 8 to 53 feet. Features include laminated wood flooring, standard heat and air conditioning, Formica walls, fully enclosed stalls, Bose sound system with CD and MP3 and ceramic RV-style toilets. 619/220 01 09; www.escumovil.com.
DISSOLVING TREATMENT PACKS
Bio-Active septic tank treatment packs and Exodor Porta-Tab holding tank and waste treatment tablets were introduced by Walex Products Company Inc. Bio-Active comes in 12-packet jars meant to be flushed into a septic system monthly to add bacteria and septic-specific enzymes. The tablets are designed to counteract the destructive effects of household products such as bleach, detergents and chemicals. Porta-Tabs have a special coating for easy handling, are designed for use in any portable restroom application and are biodegradable and non-staining. 800/338-3155; www.walex.com.
SAFETY LIGHTING
A & L Systems put the spotlight on its 9016LED series StarBeam and M-Tech LED mini-bar safety lighting. Both feature 360-degree light output in amber, clear or red dome colors. Made of durable polycarbonate, the injection-molded domes are fully gasketed to protect against moisture, while potted circuitry protects against shock and vibration. Also on display was the N200 HID (high intensity gas discharge) work light. Designed to produce near-daylight illumination, the xenon light is extremely resistant to shock, vibration, water and dust. 800/592-5253; www.a-and-lsystems.com.
