Common Myths About Portable Restrooms Debunked

September 2, 2022 Mike Kinney Community Outreach, Global Initiative, Sanitation Comments Off

Many ideas you may or may not have been told about portable restrooms are not necessarily factual. There are a number of misconceptions about these pieces of equipment that ought to be cleared up. At On Site Companies, we offer an array of portable restroom solutions designed for many types of outdoor settings and events so today we would like to address some of these ideas.

Myth #1: Portable Restrooms Will Look Bad at a Formal or Upscale Event

Portable luxury restroom trailers provide amenities that go beyond those of the typical, standard portable restroom. These may include air conditioning and heating, faux wood flooring, Formica marbled sinks or countertops, oak cabinets, and more. Some of them feature multiple stalls to handle multiple persons at a time.

Myth #2: Portable Restrooms are Unsanitary and Smelly

A big misconception is that all portable restrooms are unsanitary. While some mobile bathrooms of the past may have fallen into this category much of the time, our new portable restrooms, including luxury portable units, are designed with quality and user experience in mind including features such as: running water, sanitizers or soap dispensers, flushable toilets, easy-to-clean surfaces, and vents to control odors.

Myth #3: You Can’t Wash Your Hands in a Portable Restroom

Another misconception is that portable bathrooms lack any accessory for washing the hands. However, that is largely false. All standard units include hand sanitizers at a minimum. Other luxury models feature running water sinks. In other cases, portable hand washing units are placed outside of bathrooms that can be used.

Myth #4: Portable Restrooms Are Only for Festivals and Construction Sites

Another myth is that portable restrooms are only applicable for large outdoor festivals or construction sites, not small events. However, they are actually ideal for personal use events such as weddings, graduation parties, and family reunions. In addition, some small, seasonal businesses rent portable restrooms for parks, farms, and golf courses.

Myth #5: Portable Restrooms are Bad for the Environment

Standard portable restrooms don’t require water after use. Running water toilets can waste up to a couple hundred gallons of water daily. Portable restrooms save tens of billions of water every year. This is significant since toilet flushing is the highest use of water in the United States.

For information about the portable restroom solutions we offer at On Site Companies, call us today at 800.210.8407 or email sales@onsiteco.com.

Key Environmental Benefits of Portable Restrooms

August 30, 2022 Mike Kinney Community Outreach, Global Initiative, Sanitation Comments Off

At One Site Companies, we provide only the most experienced knowledge and sources for portable sanitation systems. Portable restrooms offer several benefits on top of providing a safe, sanitized, and easy to use private environment for users.

In our mission, we would like to provide insight for you on how portable restrooms also have huge environmental benefits for users.

Conserving Water

Flushing is the largest daily use of water in the United States, including showering and hand washing. Portable restrooms conserve water since they don’t require flushing after every use. According to the PSAI 45 billion gallons of fresh water are saved annually by portable restroom use.

Protecting Landscaping and Waterways

Portable restrooms help preserve the surrounding landscaping by saving plant life from harm due to individual waste on bushes and trees. They also prevent human waste from reaching streams where it can poison certain bodies of water, harming local flora and wildlife. Portable restrooms keep human waste safely contained until it is disposed of for treatment, protecting the surrounding natural environment.

Reduced Insect Problems

Containing human waste in portable restrooms helps prevent the problem of insects swarming to the waste. If a person’s waste contains any parasites, they could end up in the soil when not properly contained in a portable restroom. This could potentially infect someone else who came into contact with the waste and cause damage to the environment.

Preserving Public Health

Various diseases spread through the transfer of fecal matter to the mouth. When someone does a bowel movement, but fails to wash their hands properly, and then touches objects such as utensils or food, the germs can spread and cause sickness. The same is true for urinating without washing the hands. Portable restrooms with hand sanitizer or soap dispensers and running water solve this problem. Otherwise, individuals at various outdoor events are forced to go to the bathroom in the bushes somewhere without an opportunity to sanitize themselves, including their hands.

Odor Control

The design of portable restrooms today includes better odor control than older generation porta potties. Here at On Site Companies, we use hospital-grade disinfectant to clean our units and take great measures to ensure a pleasant experience. This means that regardless of whether or not it is the type of mobile restroom that flushes, it will not spread an unappealing aroma to areas of your area, even if you have multiple portable restrooms set up throughout your venue.

To learn about the portable sanitation solutions we offer, give us a call today at 800.210.8407 or email us at sales@onsiteco.com.

Supporting Local

February 8, 2022 Mike Kinney Community Outreach, On Site News Comments Off

On Site Companies is proud to support and be supported by the local communities and businesses we serve. Community involvement is extremely important to us. We also recognize the importance of helping the development, economy, and integrity of our region.

With this in mind, we are proud to be involved with a number of groundbreaking associations. These associations help local businesses support each other and provide key resources to aid in the development of their companies. We are proud to sponsor some of the amazing events they host for their communities. They also give us a a chance to connect and get together for some fun.

We are proud to be Platinum Members of the Portable Sanitation Association International (PSAI). The PSAI elevates the portable sanitation industry and gives valuable resources as well as recognitions to its members. In particular, On Site Companies’ very own Karen Holm received the 2022 M.Z. Andy Gump Award from the PSAI. This award is presented to an industry leader with high ethical standards and a reputation for leadership and excellence. Moreover, in 2019, On Site technician, Jeremey Johnston won runner-up for Service Technician of the Year.

Listed below are all of the associations we are currently members of, as well as their impact on our communities. If you are local to any of these associations, we definitely recommend joining them!

Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN

As a certified woman-owned business, we are proud to be members of the Association of Women Contractors (AWC) for over 20 years. The AWC empowers woman business owners in the construction industry. The association also provides amazing resources for their members to benefit from. You can catch us at the Annual Golf Fundraiser doing minnow races at our sponsored hole!

The Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce is a prestigious association that supports local Greater Stillwater businesses while enriching the community. They host several annual events for the community. For instance, they host the Food Truck Extravaganza, Rivertown Fall Art Festival, and more. We are a proud sponsor of the annual World Snow Sculpting Championship!

As a supplier for special events, it’s a privilege to be part of the Minnesota Festivals and Events Association (MNFEA). The MNFEA connects businesses in the special event industry and gives them great resources to benefit from. You can find us every year at the Annual Conference.

Twin Cities Wedding and Event Professionals (TCWEP) is another amazing resource for event professionals, specifically in the Twin Cities Metro area. We love connecting at the monthly networking events!

Duluth, MN

The Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce has been helping move businesses in the community forward for over 150 years. Specifically, they educate, promote, and grow local companies through networking, advocacy, marketing, and education. They have several signature events such as the Capitol Days, Leadercast, and more. You can catch us at the Annual Golf Outing!

The Moose Lake Chamber of Commerce is a fantastic association that encourages local business promotion, development, and growth. They host annual events for the community such as Ice Bocce, BrewFest, and more. We have proudly committed to annually sponsor Agate Days and the Moose Lake Triathlon.

The Cloquet Area Chamber of Commerce provides training programs, networking events, marketing tools, and more to local businesses in the Cloquet area. They host signature events such as the Christmas Lighting Challenge, Annual Golf Outing, and more. You can catch us at the Home, Business, & Sports Show!

Mankato, MN

Greater Mankato Growth (GMG) is a great association that exists to support and promote the local economic growth of the community and its members. They provide extremely helpful resources for local business and provide an outlet for them to network. They host signature events such as Alive After 5, the Mankato Marathon, and more! We are proudly committing to sponsoring Songs on the Lawn for 2022 and beyond!

The Minnesota River Builders Association (MRBA) is a great resource for local construction businesses in the Mankato region. They provide homeowner resources, contractor education, and networking events for builders, remodelers, subcontractors, suppliers, and homeowners. You can catch us at the sport clay shoots and the golf outings every year.

Rochester, MN

As a sanitation and climate control provider for construction companies, we are proud to be members of the Builders Exchange of Rochester. It is a great way to network with local businesses in the construction industry. It is also a valuable resource for discovering upcoming projects in the Rochester area. We love attending the golf outings and sporting clay shoots!

St. Louis, MO

The Missouri Chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America (AGCMO) represents over 550 Missourian companies in the construction industry. Benefits include educational programs, networking events, representation of common interests in political processes, and more. You can catch us at their frequent seminars, conventions, and meetings.

SITE Improvement Association (SITE) has been aiding construction companies since 1966. SITE represents the best interests of its members in labor union negotiation, political affairs, and legislative agendas. In addition, they provide safety training, education tools, and expos to their members. In fact, you can check out our booth at the Investment in Infrastructure Expo!

The American Subcontractors Association Midwest Council (ASA) aims to help their members become more effective and efficient in business through their resources and connections. For instance, these resources include meetings, workshops, contract reviews, discounts, and government advocacy. One of our personal favorite events is the annual Meet the GC’s Expo!

The Home Builders Association of St. Louis (HBA) has been assisting local home builders and vendors excel in their business since 1934. The HBA uses their resources and connections to provide advocacy, networking, education, and savings to their members. You can catch us at the Builder Day Picnic and Golf Tournament!

Support Local!

At On Site Companies, we are proud to support and be supported by such innovative local businesses. Supporting your local economy helps our communities thrive by retaining jobs, connections, resources, and cash flow. Above all, we recognize the importance of doing our part to help local communities grow and are thrilled to be involved with such resourceful associations that lead the way.

Fun At Work

November 3, 2021 onsitedev Community Outreach, On Site News Comments Off

Going to work everyday doesn’t have to be boring or monotonous. If you’re working in a company that cares for its employees, there will usually be fun team building and interactive activities. At On Site Companies, we do our best to keep our employees engaged and happy when they come to work. This is why we have the On Site “Fun Committee”. On Site’s Fun Committee was created with the purpose of boosting employee engagement and morale. Moreover, it works towards encouraging a stress-free, enjoyable, and inclusive environment in the workplace. The Committee is composed of employees from a variety of departments. These include Customer Service, Human Resources, Operations, and Marketing. Everyone in the Committee is free to bring in ideas of ways to make work fun and engaging. Here are the different ways On Site’s kept the fun at work in 2021:

Celebrating A “National Day’ – Bagelfest Day

Celebrating a National Day is the perfect excuse to be engaging and festive at work, as well as bring a smile to employees. There is probably a National Day for almost every day of the year, so there are a lot of options to pick and choose! For instance, we celebrated Bagelfest Day and brought in some bagels for everyone at office. Earlier in the year, we also celebrated St. Patrick’s Day with some shamrock shakes, Joe 4 Joe’s with some free coffee for all Joes, and Memorial Day with a cookout. There’s nothing better than coming to work and finding free treats. It’s a good start to your work day!

Celebrating Local Events – State Fair Kickoff

Minnesota is pretty famous for its annual State Fair. Due to the variety of food and and fun activities, it’s a “must go” for every Minnesotan. To bring in some of that fun to the office, the Fun Committee prepared some flavored cotton candy and snow cones for On Site team members. Any employee with a sweet tooth sure enjoyed this one! As On Site drivers came back from a had working day, they were surprised with some refreshing snow cones and sweet cotton candy.

Taco Truckin’

Imagine having a normal day at the office and having a food truck show up outside! On Site brought in a Taco Food Truck with free tacos exclusively for On Site employees. The food truck offered a variety of tacos, as well as the option of chips and queso. Thinking outside the box when it comes to these types of activities only shows the effort and care a company has for its employees. Taco ’bout delicious!

Goodie Bags – Employee Appreciation Week!

We all know that going to work has its good days and it’s, well, not so good days. These last couple of years have been particularly challenging for a lot of businesses. As restrictions have been lifted and events have started to pick up this year, On Site Companies has had one of the busiest summers yet. When work gets hectic, it makes it difficult for team members to participate in social activities. A thoughtful way the Fun Committee showed care and appreciation for employees was by assembling “Goodie Bags” containing snacks and treats. On Site drivers were able to have snacks as they went along their busy work day, and the committee handed over goodie bags to every department in the office. The Committee also shipped Goodie Bags to team members at all of On Site’s branches.

Rise And Shine The Best Way! – Pupusas and Coffee

On Site Companies takes pride in having a diverse team made up of some of the most hard working employees. Members of the Operations Team at On Site have a very early morning daily, and a long work day ahead. We want to make sure employees start their day in the best way possible. Nothing says, “have a nice day!” better than greeting employees in the morning with some Pupusas and fresh hot coffee! Pupusas are a traditional dish from El Salvador that consists of a griddle cake made out of cornmeal. They are usually filled with white cheese, beans, and pork (yum!). It’s safe to say this was definitely a crowd favorite!

Halloween Contest Spooktacular

Encouraging employees to participate in Holiday celebrations is a classic way to encourage team building and fun at work. For instance, in an effort to bring in the Halloween spirit at On Site, the Fun Committee organized a Costume Contest as well as a Pumpkin Carving Contest. On the Friday before Halloween, team members joined in on the fun and dressed up in their costume of choice. This activity encouraged communication and collaboration among team members, as some of them did group costumes. Voting for the favorites also encouraged inclusivity for all team members. It was definitely a fun way to end the week at work!

Fun at Work: The On Site Way!

At On Site, we care about our employees’ work experience and well-being. Above all, we believe that acts of kindness and appreciation play a key role in keeping the team happy and comfortable in the workplace. On Site’s team is made up of the most hard working people, so making sure they feel valued and appreciated is our top priority. Interested in joining the On Site Companies team? Check out our careers page for a listing of current available positions, as well as team member spotlights!

Our Values Are What Make Us Valuable

May 6, 2019 onsitedev Community Outreach Comments Off

While a lot of companies might do the same thing, they’re not actually all the same. For many, the difference might be in the techniques they employ or the equipment they use. At On Site Companies, we propose that one of the most important differentiators is the values of the company. It is a company’s values that tell you who you’re doing business with, and oftentimes those values will also speak to how well that business gets done.

On Site Companies espouses five values that guide and inform all we do: Employees, Customers, Integrity, Financial Stability, and Dedication. These values reflect who we are, who we want to be, and what we want our company to be.

Employees

We are more than just a team; we are a family. We watch out for each other, care for each other, and go above and beyond for each other because we believe in each other, and we trust each other.

On Site began as a family business owned by Dave and Karen Holm thirty years ago. The family aspect of the business was integral to the success of the company. Even now, years later, family is still crucial as the next generation of Holms run On Site. Though the company has grown beyond family members in the literal sense (over 100 employees!), “family” is still how we feel. A source of pride for On Site is that siblings will bring each other into the company when new positions open up. Molly Leonard, daughter of Dave and Karen, who is now Vice President of On Site Companies, once described the On Site employees by saying, “My family now has 400 members. It’s not just the employees, but their families too.”

Customers

Customers are the most important stakeholders in our business and the lifeblood to our families and our coworkers’ families. We must exceed their expectations with every encounter. Only by satisfying our customers’ needs first do we have the opportunity to satisfy the needs of our employees. By doing so as a team, we turn customers into advocates for our company that can further enrich our lives.

There is a difference between working for our customers and working with our customers. Working for our customers means we just give them what they ask, not helping them make sure it’s the best thing for their project or event. On Site Companies works with our customers, asking them questions to make sure the sanitation or climate control they are renting is not too little for their needs, but also not too much. Our team members are experts not just in sanitation or climate control, but also in the industries they serve. From large construction or remodeling to weddings or massive public festivals, our team of salespeople, drivers, and technicians understands what each of those projects requires. We want our customers to have good experiences, not just with the services or equipment we provide, but also with their entire project—and we work tirelessly to do all we can to make that happen.

Integrity

It’s important to always act with integrity in your relationships, to be compassionate, friendly, loyal, and to make sure you do the right thing. The hardest thing to do is build trust, but if trust exists, you can accomplish so much more.

Integrity truly is a key part of all our values. Without integrity, employees wouldn’t be treated well, we wouldn’t take good care of our customers, we certainly wouldn’t have any dedication, and financial stability would be impossible.

Financial Stability

We are all stewards for our fellow coworkers, and we need to take that responsibility very seriously. On Site is committed to creating long-term value. We must earn profits every day through voluntary exchange with our customers. We must all recognize that profits are essential to creating capital for growth, prosperity, opportunity, job satisfaction, and job security.

It’s important for On Site, as a service-based company, to be reliable and trustworthy for our customers. A financially stable company is a company you can trust to the services you need when you need them. If a company doesn’t value financial stability, you may find them cutting corners to balance their budgets or simply not having the equipment and staff to support your needs.

Dedication

Having dedication brings professionalism, determination, perseverance, and a sense of urgency to every project. Dedication will allow you to believe in what we are doing and where we are going. It tells us that we must face and conquer challenges, never say “no” or “that’ll never work” because if we had, none of us would be here today.

The On Site Value Difference

If you want to do business with a company with real values, call On Site today. It’s not just what we do, but how and why we do it that makes the difference.

How Many Porta Potties Does My Non-Profit Event Need?

March 27, 2019 onsitedev Community Outreach, Planning Tools, Sanitation, Special Events Comments Off

Remembering all the details of planning a non-profit event can get stressful and time-consuming. You don’t want to forget anything, let alone not provide enough amenities for the amount of people who will be attending. The more people that attend, the more amenities you’ll need to keep your event running smoothly. Planning an outdoor event that requires portable toilets, as well as other sanitation options, can be challenging—but it can be done.

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On Site Companies Celebrates Red Nose Day 2016 to Raise Awareness for Children’s Needs Around the Globe

May 24, 2016 onsitedev Blog, Community Outreach, Global Initiative Comments Off

I’m sure you’ve seen the commercials on television or seen the billboards around town for Red Nose Day. The day culminates in a big television event featuring big names in entertainment on Thursday May 26^th, 2016. Even though the message is everywhere, you may still have questions about what Red Nose Day exactly is and what they’re exactly raising money for. (more…)

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