Local ordinances rarely make national headlines, but for service-based industries, they can have immediate impacts and ripple effects through other municipalities.
Earlier this year, a township in New Jersey passed an ordinance affecting portable sanitation operators (Jackson Township Ordinance 2026-05). Like many local regulations, it was introduced with the premise of supporting community standards. But as is often the case, the practical implications for service and delivery were not fully considered in the early stages.
By the time broader industry awareness caught up, the ordinance was already nearing a final vote. And this ordinance will certainly have negative impacts on accessibility to clean, safe sanitation as it includes fees to the township each time a unit is rented, limits to how many days or instances a single company or individual could rent portable sanitation in one year, submission of drawings of where units are to be placed, and sweeping requirements on unit placements that do not account for the ability to deliver or service the unit.
A broader scope
This scenario is not unique. Across the country, local governments regularly introduce new requirements that affect how essential services are delivered. It is not uncommon for these to be developed on tight timelines and with limited input from the operators and professionals who understand the day-to-day realities of implementation. In the case of this New Jersey township, the concerns and expertise voiced by one local operator were not only unsought but largely ignored.
The result can be well-intentioned regulation that creates unintended consequences that come in many forms like logistical challenges, increased costs or requirements that are difficult to execute in the field.
What makes the difference in these situations is not just what is communicated, but when.
Proactive involvement
Early engagement allows for a more productive exchange of information. It creates space for industry professionals to share practical insight, offer alternative approaches and align solutions that meet both regulatory goals and operational realities. It also helps build trust between policymakers and the industries they regulate. This is something that is much harder to establish once positions have hardened and votes become imminent.
By contrast, late-stage engagement, no matter how thoughtful or well supported, often has limited ability to influence the outcome. At that point, the focus shifts from collaboration to reaction.
This is an important opportunity for industry professionals: Pay attention to what is happening at the local level and engage early. What does early engagement look like? Here are just a few examples:
- Join or stay informed through your local chamber of commerce.
- Follow agendas for your city council meetings and attend.
- Find opportunities to share the value and importance of clean, safe portable sanitation and how it’s achieved.
- Remember your trade association is always here to support. PSAI may write position statements, engage with local regulators, share supporting resources with you, and connect you to other operators who may have experienced similar situations.
The goal is not to oppose regulation, but to inform it and improve it.
Effective policies are those that achieve their intended outcomes while remaining practical to implement. That balance is most likely to be achieved when industry expertise is part of the conversation from the beginning. By being an active and visible presence in your community, you may help get ahead of harmful misconceptions that could lead to unintended consequences for your industry.
Remember, your trade associations are here to help you advocate!
