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BROKERING
Sales of Portable Restroom Rental Businesses
As the portable restroom rental industry steadily continues to grow at its impressive rate, investors pursue the lowest price on any business they consider. That means operators looking to sell increasingly need guidance on maximizing the sale value of their businesses. ALW is fortunate to meet with Damon Powell, Founder & President, FMC Advisors, LLC, Orlando, Florida, the industry’s leading portable restroom rental business advisor. Powell and his team
have closed over 170 transactions of this type and have others currently underway.
The FMC leadership team, Powell and his partner, Ed Medvic, are both veterans of the industry, and due to increased demand for the service, Andy Pridgeon joined FMC in 2023. Damon reflects, “I was drawn to continue in the industry because of the people I had grown to love working with through the years, the salt-of-the-earth blue collar atmosphere
I was drawn
to continue in the
industry because
of the
people I had grown
to love working with
through
the
years,
the salt-of-the-earth blue collar atmosphere and work ethic. and work ethic. Just that sort of clear and honest working environment.” After a long career in upper management with United Site Services and Waste Management, I took on my current role about five years ago.
Here, Damon shares with ALW readers the general processes of brokering sales of portable restroom rental businesses. As he explains, it’s an involved proposition, including asset evaluation, marketing
SPOTLIGHT
without advertising, multifarious business analyses, and an extensive series of other steps for positioning property and businesses for sale in this unique industry.
We will further look at the prospective buyer's parallel process of assessment and due diligence, including accounting reviews, physical inspections, etc. We’ll also learn about FMC’s approach to vetting prospects and managing the valuating and positioning of businesses for sale in the team’s step-by-step process toward closing. We’re most excited about learning these experts’ proven process of preparing portable restroom businesses for sale with focus on maximizing the sale value of the business.
Damon Powell emphasizes that the key to the successful sale of a business is in the preparation for presenting it to prospective buyers. His group works with business owners to help them understand what they need to do to set themselves up for their
In earlier years, I had recognized the need for industry-specific guidance for business owners to sell their companies and get the maximum value for them.
businesses to be sold in the future. From here, he offers some valuable insights and advice directly to ALW readers:
FMC ADVISORS’ LIQUID WASTE BUSINESS SALES TRACK RECORD
In earlier years, I had recognized the need for industryspecific guidance for business owners to sell their companies and get the maximum value for them. The need is even greater now. Our mission today is to assist sanitation business owners in getting maximum value when they sell. Liquid waste companies are now bombarded by investors or proxies, and those agents know how to utterly minimize their costs. That’s why the valuation process is so important for sellers.
As transaction advisors, we know how to help any type of company in any industry make the most of selling, but we ran these types of businesses (liquid waste handling); we ran them and sold them. As a buyer for United Site Services, I evaluated hundreds of businesses around the country. The transactions my team and I have completed total nearly a billion dollars in value.
continued on page 12
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SPOTLIGHT
We’ve sold portable restroom rental businesses in all financial conditions. Some have been flat in terms of growth.
DETERMINING THE SALE VALUE OF YOUR BUSINESS
The popularity of the liquid waste industry, the reason why it’s so popular with investors, is that it’s an attractive opportunity for private equity investors due to its recurring revenue model, diverse customer base, and fragmented industry dynamic (meaning there are thousands and thousands of independent operators.) It’s an aggressive growth industry. Acquisition is more accessible than in solid waste management, for example, where the cost of doing business is higher. For example, the trucks are more expensive, the waste containers are very expensive, etc.
In this industry, the rental toilet units have a long life, the trucks are much cheaper, and so on. So, it’s much cheaper to get into and, overall, the capital expenditures are lower, making it less costly to maintain competitiveness over time. Naturally, regional and other industry players reach out to acquire smaller operators, who need their own valuation experts.
We look at five essential points for valuation. 1) We consider the location, which dictates a fair amount of a business’s value. 2) We examine the amount and quality of revenues, and 3) we determine the profitability of the business. 4) We look at the quality and age of the assets. For example, regarding the age of assets, a business may have a $2 million market value, but let’s say the assets are older, trucks have not been replaced in 4 years, etc.
The new owner knows he will have to replace trucks on day One to have a quality operation. That’s $200k out of pocket upfront, a potential deal-breaker. He will need to take that $200k off the purchase price. So, going in, the seller needs to decide whether to stop buying trucks before undertaking to sell or keep doing what he’s normally doing in running the business. My advice is to run the business like it’s yours until it isn’t. So, a buyer is stepping into the company that is already operating like it’s going to be run for the next 5 to 10 years.
5) We further look at the business’s growth trajectory. Has the company been growing? If so, by what percent per year? Has its growth been stagnant?
continued on page 14
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SPOTLIGHT
Declining? We’ve sold portable restroom rental businesses in all financial conditions. Some have been flat in terms of growth. Some weren’t turning a profit, and some have been on the verge of bankruptcy. Valuation is commensurate with the state of the business.
LIQUID WASTE BUSINESS POSITIONING & SALES PROCESS
One of the main reasons we started the consulting service is to help operators figure out what their business is really worth at the time they are looking to sell it. When we were buying businesses, the owners had a sale value in mind, and nothing was harder as a buyer than telling them, for example, when they thought their business was worth $10 million, that it was actually only worth $2 million. We do a lot of valuations. It’s important to help people know what their business would be worth at the time of sale if they set a reasonable future date and take the practical steps necessary to raise its sale value as
much as possible by that time. Here’s a roadmap to that objective that operators looking to sell might think about.
STEP 1
Obtain a professional sales valuation. We provide a valuation that includes an assessment of the assets (what the buyer will get), a comprehensive financial review including owner add-backs, discretionary earnings, extraneous expenses the owner may run through the business, etc.
We go further to weigh the potential benefits for the seller of predictable synergies of merger or acquisition, when a larger company buys a smaller one. The cost savings from which the seller may benefit may enable him/her to adjust the purchase price based on such anticipated gains, so we can provide a final valuation that represents future benefits in the estimate of what the business is worth in today’s valuation.
STEP 2
Determine the right time to sell. We want to help business owners as they decide when to sell, and help them learn how the process works. A business owner in any industry should really use an advisor, broker, coach to walk them through the process. You’re much better off with someone who has completed transactions for the sales of companies, is familiar with valuations, and has a competent buyer pool, attorney, and other critical experts. That way, you can run your own business without as much distraction while the work to sell it is underway, and you can take the emotions out of the process and the transaction. Selling a business is hard. Especially for sellers who’ve had a bad experience in the past, it can be a rough ride. I’m always glad when I get calls from
continued on page 16
SPOTLIGHT
business owners asking what steps they can take if they want to sell their businesses in one or two years. It means they’ve already learned some important things about selling.
STEP 3
Prepare for the sale. Take the right steps to raise the sale value of the business. Prepare for the buyer’s fact-finding mission. Use the most effective tools for maximizing the sale value of a business of your type. That often means considering a new or updated operating software platform. There are many good platforms for routing, tracking operational metrics, etc. If you can start tracking metrics, like miles per route, stops, minutes per service, etc., you can maximize the value of that data, and show you understand and take care of such details of the business. It goes to how well you’re managing the business.
STEP 4
Identify the right buyer. At FMC, because we’re very specialized and we were buyers in the industry, nearly every buyer reaches out to us so they can be considered when we bring companies to market. Of course, as I mentioned, location matters. A business near downtown Atlanta vs. a small market in North
Dakota can expect to attract more interested buyers. We have cultivated a comprehensive nationwide database of buyers, from private individuals to billiondollar enterprises. We vet the buyers, so when we work with a seller, we can ensure that there are no timewasters or “tire-kickers” that browse or can’t qualify.
STEP 5
Prepare the financials. If there’s no succession plan or family member to take over the business in the future, it’s strongly advisable to work up a set of good financials that reflects a solid accounting of the financial results, at least for the past few years.
QuickBooks is a good resource for generating easy Income and Expense Reports, P&L Statements, Balance Sheets, tax returns, etc. In most cases, it is easy enough to put them together monthly. Your CPA can help you.
Most buyers will look deeper into those financials. Then, buyers will perform their formal due diligence. They’ll carefully examine P&L, revenues, assets, bank statements, sales tax records, loan account records, liens, and other information revealing the business’s overall financial condition. A buyer needs to understand what the true financials are. The process can take 30 to 60 days.
This is the last phase prior to closing. It’s essential that sellers do not deliver raw balance sheets and raw Profit & Loss statements to prospective buyers. In our industry, those can be very good, or reflect very poorly. When sellers work with us, they are cleaned, up, adjusted, and presented accurately, whether it’s a strong company or a fixer-upper.
READY FOR CLOSING
Once all the financial preparatory work, due diligence,
The process can be expected to run much more smoothly from start to finish when working with a skilled advisor...
CURRENT BUSINESS SALES OPPORTUNITIES IN THE INDUSTRY
Opportunities in the marketplace for selling portable restroom rental businesses are currently wide-ranging, in Damon Powell’s view. This estimation is per FMC’s extensive roster of qualified prospective buyers, developed through his team’s years of cultivating their industry-specific base of corporate acquisition agents, private buyers, and business investment associates.
and negotiations have been done, the closing date is set. If you have provided high-quality data and information, your buyer can proceed confidently with the transaction. The process can be expected to run much more smoothly from start to finish when working with a skilled advisor, experienced in dealing directly with buyers, guiding you through each step of selling your business.
Damon continues:
Most sellers don’t want to advertise that they’re selling. Buyers can ask for any information they want, and if a business owner has never sold a company before, he/she may think the request is reasonable. Whereas, more careful management of that encounter calls for more thought before answering. If we were
SPOTLIGHT
involved in that scenario, we’d get confidentiality agreements ahead of time. Confidentiality in every transaction is our top priority.
Word can quickly get around that a business owner seems likely to sell for a very low price. Maybe someone approached you. Maybe the two of you even come to agree on price and sign a letter of intent. But, finalizing a successful sale of your business requires that you have made the most of this critical opportunity to maximize your company’s sale value and your return on your investment of your money and years spent building your business.
OWNER EXIT STRATEGIES THAT MAXIMIZE SALE VALUE
There are proven techniques that can be used to sell a portable restroom rental business or other liquid waste handling business for its maximum assessed value. One proven approach is to optimize your exit strategy as part of your selling method. The question becomes, “What is the ideal exit strategy for the seller? Does the seller want to stay on and continue to run the business or step away?
Helping the business owner understand his/her array of options and what they entail is important for owners who’ve never sold a business. To help ensure they realize the maximum sale value for all their work to develop a functioning company. That strategic knowledge is a benefit of seeking advice on what is realistic for them now and/or at a future point they may choose to follow through with the sale.
4 Asset or Stock Sale Structures
These are options of sales transaction structures in which sellers may permit buyers to purchase the business by asset sale or stock sale. In an asset sale,
the new buyer is just purchasing assets, not the going concern. Asset sales are typically preferred, and FMC estimates that as high as 95% of all sales of businesses in the industry are asset sales. In a stock sale, the buyer takes on any trailing liabilities that the company has ever had.
4 Cash or Financing Sales Structures
Other transaction type options involve all-cash or including financing. With these alternatives, sellers determine whether it is best for their interests to take all the money from the sale at closing, or to include some amount of owner financing. We defer to tax professionals in this area of consideration. Then, we translate the outcomes in terms of pros and cons over the short- and long-term for sellers, and help them understand the structural options and the net benefits / detriments of these decisions.
4 Equity or Asset Sale Structures
New buyers may use private equity, family offices, or other alternatives to traditional funding. A seller may opt to maintain some percent of equity in his/ her company. For example, he/she might choose to maintain a 30% interest and stay on with their business becoming a division of a larger organization. Or, the owner may choose to step away entirely at the time of the sale. Maintaining a financial interest can be a great advantage. If, for example, the business is resold in another 3 to 10 years, it could be worth more than the original sale price.
Whether you keep stock or equity in a business you sell, or to walk away with your sale proceeds should depend on factors including your long-term financial goals, tax deferral savings considerations, synergistic alignment of your interests with the company’s, your
risk tolerance, and personal preferences. Before making this pivotal decision, you should consult with your tax, legal, and financial advisors.
EDUCATING BUSINESS OWNERS ON HOW TO SELL AT MAX VALUE
We’ve only been able to glimpse the broadest overview of Damon Powell’s FMC process here. His is a very broad field of study. Not only is Damon Powell’s team the only group of expert industry advisors specializing in positioning and selling businesses in this unique rental service class, the FMC site is the premier business sales site for the portable restroom rental services industry and the larger liquid waste handling industry. In other words, it’s the place to go for connections with appropriate prospective buyers for your business.
Integral to the mission of FMC is elevating the knowledge of business owners throughout the American liquid waste handling industry. From the advisory firm’s first day in operation, the FMC professionals have been providing workshops and training sessions on business valuation for members of the Portable Sanitation Association International (PSAI) through the association. The association sets standards and provides guidelines for the industry. FMC provides educational opportunities through the PSAI as well as FOWA (the Florida Onsite Wastewater Association), and under the advisory team’s own auspices at individual business owners’ operational sites.
Damon Powell notes: We will continue to do that and educate business owners one-on-one on the particulars of maximizing their businesses’ sale value. For example, we’re helping them understand the financial metrics they should be developing and
that buyers will be looking for. We want to help them better understand what the industry averages are that their portable restroom rental or liquid waste hauling operations will be compared with and what they can do to increase the value of their business and grow it to that number.
2025 INDUSTRY POPULARITY, BUYER AVAILABILITY AND OBJECTIVES
Damon Powell, Ed Medvic, and Andy Pridgeon, the professional advisory team at FMC, are transaction advisors who have dedicated their careers to helping operators sell their portable restroom and liquid waste businesses. The group benefits the entire portable restroom industry by offering a clear track for learning how to sell a business for its maximum current value and set up a business to build value for future sale.
FMC further serves as a vast networking hub connecting business owners with current prospective buyers. It’s fair to say that the FMC group’s track record certainly has proven to support their simple but powerful company motto:
“Experience Matters, Real Results”
For more information about FMC, contact Damon H Powell, Founder & President, FMC Advisors, LLC, at (407) 765-9440, or email damon@fmcadvisors.com, or visit www.fmcadvisors.com.
Upon request, the January issue of ALW containing this article will be distributed free of charge to attendees of the 2025 WWETT show!
BUSINESS CORNER
PORTABLE RESTROOM
SANITATION PROTOCOLS: Cleaning and Disinfection Procedures for Maximum Customer Satisfaction
MAINTAINING HIGH STANDARDS OF CLEANLINESS IN PORTABLE RESTROOMS IS NON-NEGOTIABLE FOR CONTRACTORS IN THE SEPTIC, SEWER AND PORTABLE RESTROOM INDUSTRIES. CUSTOMERS EXPECT CLEAN, ODOR-FREE FACILITIES. ANYTHING LESS CAN HARM YOUR REPUTATION. TO MEET THESE EXPECTATIONS, CONSISTENT AND THOROUGH CLEANING PROTOCOLS ARE KEY. HERE’S HOW TO MAKE SURE YOUR PORTABLE RESTROOMS STAY SPOTLESS AND MEET CUSTOMER EXPECTATIONS EVERY TIME!
1. START WITH A SOLID CLEANING SCHEDULE
The foundation of sanitation is a predictable and frequent cleaning schedule. Depending on the level of usage, restrooms should be serviced daily or multiple times a week depending on usage. High-traffic locations like construction sites or events need more frequent attention.
The liquid waste industry is often about stepping in at critical moments, and customers want to know their contractor gets it. Timely service, clear communication and a focus on keeping things running smoothly...
Begin each cleaning session by inspecting the unit. Look for damage, overfilled waste tanks or any issues requiring repairs. This quick check can save time and prevent customer complaints later.
2. EMPTY WASTE TANKS SAFELY
The first step in the cleaning process is pumping out the waste tank. Use proper equipment and procedures to avoid spills or contamination. Make sure to: 4 Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves and masks
continued on page 22
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4 Follow all (local) regulations for waste disposal
4 Double-check that the tank is completely emptied before moving on
Improper waste handling can increase localized contamination risks. Proper waste disposal isn't just about meeting regulations — it shows your customers you care about doing the job right.
Cleaning removes dirt, but disinfecting kills germs.
3. PRESSURE WASH FOR A DEEP CLEAN
Pressure washing is an effective way to clean both the interior and exterior of portable restrooms. Focus on high-touch areas like door handles, toilet seats and walls. A thorough wash removes dirt, grime and buildup that could lead to odors.
Use a cleaning solution specifically designed for portable restrooms. These products cut through waste residue and leave surfaces clean without damaging the materials. Rinse thoroughly to remove any soap residue.
4. DISINFECT HIGH-TOUCH SURFACES
Cleaning removes dirt, but disinfecting kills germs. After washing, apply a disinfectant to all frequently touched surfaces. These include:
4 Door handles
4 Toilet seats
4 Hand sanitizer dispensers
4 Interior walls
Let the disinfectant sit for the recommended contact
time before wiping or rinsing. Proper disinfection can completely wipe out the presence of harmful bacteria, significantly improving hygiene standards.
5. REFILL SUPPLIES
Customers expect restrooms to be stocked with essentials like toilet paper, hand sanitizer and paper towels. During each cleaning session, check and refill these supplies.
Running out of basic items can lead to complaints, even if the restroom is otherwise clean. Use a checklist to confirm nothing is missed.
6. CONTROL ODORS
Odor control is one of the biggest factors in customer satisfaction. After cleaning and disinfecting, use deodorizing products to keep the restroom smelling fresh. Products like tank deodorizers, air fresheners and even scented cleaning solutions can help.
Ventilation is also critical. Make sure the air vents in the unit are clear and functioning properly to reduce the buildup of unpleasant smells.
7. INSPECT BEFORE YOU LEAVE
Before you leave the site, inspect the unit one final time. Look for missed spots, check that all surfaces are dry and verify that the restroom is in good condition.
Test the door lock and other functional parts to confirm everything is working.
8.
TRAIN YOUR TEAM
Even the best protocols won’t work if your team isn’t on the same page. Regular training helps employees understand the importance of sanitation and teaches them how to follow procedures properly. Topics to cover in training sessions include:
4 Proper use of cleaning products
4 Safety measures for handling waste
4 Steps for disinfecting surfaces
A well-trained team delivers consistent results, which keeps customers happy and helps your business thrive.
WHY CLEANLINESS MATTERS
Clean portable restrooms reflect positively on your business. Customers notice the effort you put into keeping facilities clean, and they’ll be more likely to recommend your services. According to a 2024 survey conducted by the Bradley Company, 62% of Americans make a point of stopping at businesses with clean and well-maintained bathrooms when they need to use the facilities, and close to 60% willingly spend more money there.
Investing in proper cleaning protocols is an
investment in your reputation. By following these steps, you’ll show customers that they can trust your company to deliver reliable, high-quality service every time.
WANT MORE TIPS TO IMPROVE YOUR CLEANING PROCESSES?
SUBSCRIBE TO AMERICAN LIQUID WASTE MAGAZINE FOR INDUSTRY INSIGHTS, PRACTICAL ADVICE AND UPDATES TAILORED TO SEPTIC AND PORTABLE RESTROOM PROFESSIONALS.
6 TIPS FOR MAKING THE RIGHT DECISION When to Purchase or Upgrade a Guzzler Industrial Air Mover:
When it comes to industrial vacuum loaders, the Guzzler industrial air mover stands out as a top choice for contractors and plant managers. But how does one know when it’s the right time to invest in one? Here are some tips to help decide:
1. ASSESS CURRENT NEEDS
The first step in deciding whether to purchase or upgrade a Guzzler is to evaluate changing needs and applications. The Guzzler is designed to vacuum
a wide range of materials from solids and dry bulk powders to liquids, slurries, and thick sludge. If current equipment is struggling to meet your demands or your application is evolving, it is likely the right time to consider a better solution.
2. CONSIDER THE EFFICIENCY AND PERFORMANCE
Guzzlers can be trusted to tackle the toughest jobs, with superior performance in various industries, including cement plants, steel mills, railroads, oil
refineries, paper mills, and chemical plants. Because efficiency and performance are critical to operations, investing in a Guzzler can significantly reduce downtime and enhance productivity.
3. EVALUATE MAINTENANCE AND DURABILITY
One of the key benefits of Guzzler is the ease of maintenance and durability.
Built to last, a Guzzler is engineered for simple operation and low-cost maintenance, ensuring many
The first step in deciding whether to purchase or upgrade a Guzzler is to evaluate changing needs and applications.
A Guzzler offers the widest range of offloading solutions available on the market...
years of reliable service. If one’s current equipment requires frequent repairs or is nearing the end of its lifespan, purchasing or upgrading to a Guzzler will provide you with greater efficiencies, more uptime, and less hassle.
4. LOOK AT OFFLOADING SOLUTIONS
A Guzzler offers the widest range of offloading solutions available on the market, making it versatile for various
applications. Whether there is a need to reclaim or remove material from remote or inaccessible locations, a Guzzler provides the flexibility and versatility needed. Guzzler offers Hi-Dump, Hi-Rail, Liquid Ring, XCR (Cyclone Filtration), and Dense Phase Offload solutions to give you the flexibility you need.
5. CONSIDER ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Guzzler Manufacturing, part of the Federal Signal Corporation, has a long-standing commitment to environmental protection. Guzzler’s mission has remained the same for over four decades, a dedication to quality, durability, and value, all while working to create a cleaner environment and supporting the individuals who own and operate Guzzler machinery. These qualities define the organization and can be seen in the reliable equipment offered for customers.
continued on page 28
6. FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
Finally, consider the financial aspects of purchasing a Guzzler. The long-term benefits of purchasing or upgrading to a Guzzler, including reduced maintenance costs, improved efficiency, and enhanced performance can provide a strong return on investment. Whether it’s a standard purchase, rental, lease, or rent-to-own consideration, Guzzler has tailor-made solutions to fit your budget.
When deciding to purchase or upgrade to a Guzzler, let Guzzler’s team of experts remove the challenges and guide you through the process. As an industry leader, Guzzler can significantly enhance industrial cleaning operations for contractors and plant managers. For more than four decades, Guzzler has been trusted to clean, remove, recover, and recycle industrial waste and raw materials.
COLD WEATHER Excavation Tips
JOBS DON’T STOP WHEN COLD WEATHER OCCURS. IN FACT, EMERGENCY WORK AND UTILITY REPAIRS OFTEN REQUIRE ACCESSING UNDERGROUND INFRASTRUCTURE IN FREEZING TEMPERATURES.
When it comes to safe digging practices, hydro excavation offers many benefits including minimizing the risk of damaging buried utilities. As a non-destructive digging method, hydro excavation uses pressurized water to loosen and cut soil and a powerful vacuum to remove soil and materials.
As a leader in hydro excavation, TRUVAC innovates
a variety of hydrovacs that operate in cold weather conditions, and has a few tips for cold weather excavation.
4 Utilize hydrovac units Hydrovac units are able to keep a specific water temperature and their high-power vacuum systems help remove that liquefied soil from the area. This also eliminates the need for manual
As a non-destructive digging method, hydro excavation uses pressurized water to loosen and cut soil and a powerful vacuum to remove soil and materials.
For hydro excavation heated water is able to effectively break up frozen soil.
digging in extreme cold when working with frozen soil is extra difficult and accidents are more likely.
4 Evaluate ground conditions. If the ground is frozen, excavation faces difficulties due to the inability to penetrate the ground for maintenance
activities. That means additional steps will have to be taken to thaw the ground including the use of hot water to melt ice and snow.
4 Heat the water. For hydro excavation, heated water is able to effectively break up frozen soil. The hydrovac unit’s water needs to be heated to the appropriate temperature depending on the conditions it’s working in. That heated water will help melt the frozen soil and make it easier to vacuum out.
4 Consider distance and depth. A standard blower will work from a distance of 200 feet or less from the truck. When the work site is further away, a more powerful blower is required for efficiency and precision. The need for a more powerful blower
continued on page 34
...cold weather digging is not only possible, but also much safer.
hydrovac in a temperature controlled environment. Likewise, your operators should wear multiple layers as well as hats and gloves to reduce their exposure to the cold.
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also comes into play with deep excavations that require more lift. That way the blower can remove the thawed dirt and debris from the work site.
4 Prepare accordingly. When it comes to freezing conditions, there will be seasonal specific maintenance that should be performed routinely on the hydrovac. That includes the use of antifreeze, draining systems when not in use and storing the
Companies For Sale
• West Coast portable sanitation & VIP trailers, $30mm revenue - under LOI
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• More coming soon!
Keynote Presentation by American humanitarian and professional mixed martial artist Justin Wren
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THE GEAR BOX
KEY CHALLENGES IN SEPTAGE TREATMENT AND HOW TO TACKLE THEM
WASTEWATER TREATMENT REPRESENTS A CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE
CHALLENGE FOR PUBLIC HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY. A SIGNIFICANT PORTION OF U.S. HOUSEHOLDS RELY ON SEPTIC SYSTEMS, WITH TREATMENT PLANTS EVOLVING FROM BASIC WASTE REMOVAL TO SOPHISTICATED NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES. DESPITE FEDERAL GUIDELINES RECOMMENDING REGULAR MAINTENANCE, MANY OWNERS NEGLECT THEIR SYSTEMS, AND TREATMENT FACILITIES OFTEN STRUGGLE WITH PLANT OVERLOADS AND PROCESS DISRUPTIONS. THE ONGOING CHALLENGES OF SEWAGE TREATMENT
HIGHLIGHT THE URGENT NEED FOR EFFECTIVE WASTE MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS THAT CAN PREVENT THE SPREAD OF DANGEROUS PATHOGENS AND PROTECT COMMUNITY HEALTH.
FROM SLUDGE TO FLOW RESTRICTIONS: NEW CHALLENGES CONTINUE TO ARISE
Federal regulations around septage continue to evolve, creating new challenges to this already
The increase in smaller communities with shared resources can also become a critical point of failure for companies handling septage.
complex industry. With more than 5 billion gallons of septage created each year, this solid and liquid material could easily cause significant public health challenges. Between 20-50% of a septic tank’s total volume can be made up of sludge, oil and grease, creating a malodorous stew that makes disposal difficult. Between private homes and public buildings and ongoing population growth, the problem of safe and reliable disposal will continue to grow in the future. The increase in smaller communities with shared resources can also become a critical point of failure for companies handling septage. Smaller communities of townhomes or apartments may share septic resources across a broader area yet not be connected to a suburban sewage treatment facility. This shift in the way septage flows are handled can create additional
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risks for companies while also adding complexity to the logistics of dealing with septage.
EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED WHEN DEALING WITH SEPTAGE
It’s not surprising that undesirable items can often be found inside a septic tank or sewer. Filtering out these items helps your systems continue to operate at peak capacity without causing companies to change their methodology for septage treatment. Pathogens are also an increasing concern as public health problems continue to rise. There are significant risks associated with processing septage, and it’s important to your ongoing operations to keep these dangers top-of-mind.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND SUSTAINABILITY CONSIDERATIONS
The environmental impact of septage treatment extends far beyond immediate waste management concerns. Improper treatment can lead to significant ecological disruptions, including groundwater contamination, soil degradation and potential introduction of harmful nutrients into local ecosystems. That’s why it’s necessary for innovative approaches to focus not just on waste elimination but on creating circular solutions that transform septage from a potential environmental liability into a resource. For instance, advanced treatment technologies can potentially convert septage into biogas or nutrient-rich fertilizers, turning a waste management challenge into an opportunity for sustainable resource recovery.
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TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION AND RESEARCH FRONTIERS
Emerging technologies are rapidly transforming the landscape of septage treatment, offering promising solutions to long-standing challenges. Machine learning and artificial intelligence are being deployed to create more sophisticated predictive models for septage composition and treatment efficacy. Advanced sensor technologies now enable real-time monitoring of septage characteristics, allowing for more precise and adaptive treatment processes. Nanotechnology is also showing potential in developing more efficient filtration and pathogen removal techniques that could dramatically reduce treatment costs and improve overall environmental safety.
SOCIOECONOMIC DIMENSIONS OF SEPTAGE MANAGEMENT
Effective septage treatment is not merely a technical challenge but a complex socioeconomic issue that requires holistic community engagement. Rural and urban communities face distinctly different septage management challenges, requiring tailored approaches that consider local infrastructure, economic constraints and cultural practices. Economic incentives such as grants, tax credits or subsidized treatment technologies can encourage smaller communities to invest in robust septage management systems. Moreover, creating job training programs in septage management can simultaneously address waste treatment needs and provide economic opportunities in regions with limited employment options.
OPERATIONAL SOLUTIONS FOR SEPTAGE MANAGEMENT PROVIDERS
Wastewater treatment plants can overcome septage management challenges through strategic
investments and innovations. Modular treatment infrastructure provides scalable processing capabilities that are adaptable to varying septage volumes. Comprehensive pre-treatment screening protocols enable targeted treatment approaches while strategic partnerships between municipal facilities, private haulers and agricultural sectors create integrated waste management ecosystems. Advanced data management systems with real-time tracking optimize collection routes, predict maintenance needs and streamline treatment processes, ultimately reducing operational costs and improving overall efficiency.
TOWARDS A RESILIENT FUTURE: INNOVATING SEPTAGE MANAGEMENT FOR SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES
Septage treatment is a complex and critical infrastructure challenge involving significant environmental, technological and public health considerations. With billions of gallons of septage produced annually and increasing challenges from population growth and diverse community needs, the industry has to continuously innovate through advanced technologies, strategic partnerships and comprehensive management approaches. By integrating machine learning, real-time monitoring and sustainable treatment methodologies, wastewater management providers can address the multifaceted challenges of septage treatment while protecting public health and environmental resources.
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COMING INNOVATIONS FOR PORTABLE RESTROOMS IN 2025 AND FORWARD
THE NEW YEAR 2025 IS BRINGING TRANSFORMATIVE CHANGES TO THE STOCKIN-TRADE OF THE PORTABLE RESTROOM RENTAL SERVICE INDUSTRY. SOME OF THE DAZZLING RENTAL PRODUCT INNOVATIONS THAT WE'RE ABOUT TO SEE WOULD HAVE SEEMED TOO UNLIKELY JUST FIVE YEARS AGO. SOON, THE PRIMITIVE EARLY BLUE UNITS THAT USERS BEGRUDGINGLY ENTERED WHILE TRYING NOT TO INHALE WILL FADE EVEN FURTHER INTO DISTANT MEMORY.
TODAY’S MODERN, CONVENIENT, FEATUREPACKED PORTABLE TOILET FACILITIES ARE ABOUT TO UNDERGO EVEN MORE MAJOR IMPROVEMENTS THIS YEAR, AND OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS, TO ENHANCE THE COMFORT, HYGIENE, AND SUSTAINABILITY OF PORTABLE RENTAL TOILETS.
INNOVATIONS IN PORTABLE TOILETS 2025
From waterless portable toilet technology to solarpowered restroom trailers, the industry is leaving the old models behind and moving into the next phase of innovation. Portable toilet rental service operators are well advised to stay updated on growing trends
Reimagined portable toilets provide users with much more than the familiar upgrades of the most recent years. The new models are designed with touchless toilets, sinks, and lighting fixtures, self-cleaning features, and even built-in monitoring systems for toilets ...
in the market to maintain competitiveness as 2025 progresses and as we head into the later years of this decade.
1. Smart Portable Restroom Technologies
The future of portable restrooms is high-tech. Reimagined portable toilets provide users with much more than the familiar upgrades of the most recent years. The new models are designed with touchless
toilets, sinks, and lighting fixtures, self-cleaning features, and even built-in monitoring systems for toilets to manage their own waste levels and autotransmit maintenance notifications to operators. The units even analyze the waste matter and generate data for developing insights into health conditions.
2. User Experience
The future of portable restrooms is user-focused. Today’s well-ventilated, spacious portable toilet units are far from the stinky, stuffy, tight spaces of the past. Modern restroom trailers with flush toilets, sinks, stylish decor, music, phone charging stations, etc., have already transformed the user experience from the previous generation of products. Coming next are more luxury features, touchless fixtures, temperature control, automated sanitization, and digital notifications alerting providers for rapid response.
3. Environmental Sustainability
The future of portable restrooms is sustainable. Expect a move toward environmentally-friendly waterless portable toilet designs that reduce water use and composting units that integrate processes using biodegradable materials to break down waste. Also, expect the replacement of traditional energy sources with renewable energy for supplying rental restroom units. Solar power may even be further employed for onsite waste purification to help minimize adverse environmental effects.
INCREASING BENEFITS OF PORTABLE TOILETS
Portable restroom rental services deliver important benefits of accessibility, convenience, hygiene, and environmental safety. They have become indispensable resources. With this new round of
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innovations, portable restroom facilities will fit even better into the modern environment for users at:
4 Outdoor Events: Art and music festivals, cultural celebrations, sports events, community activities, weddings, reunions, corporate retreats, and other events where large crowds are gathered.
4 Recreational Areas: National and municipal parks, conservation grounds, trailheads, campgrounds, playgrounds, recreational sports fields, lake and river accesses, and other designated public spaces.
4 Construction Sites: Residential, commercial, and industrial construction sites, and on trailers for mobilized portable toilets used en route with road construction equipment, and with equipment for other mobile work teams.
TACKLE THE TOUGHEST JOBS
The future of the portable restroom industry will soon bring these exciting product-quality and service solutions to operators, their rental customers, and end users.
4 Disaster Relief: Disaster relief sites, where the industry of companies deploying temporary resources, including portable toilets, (showers, handwashing, sanitizing, laundry, facilities, etc.) bring these urgently needed facilities.
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PORTABLE TOILET INDUSTRY 2025 AND FORWARD
The future of the portable restroom industry will soon bring these exciting product-quality and service solutions to operators, their rental customers, and end users. The new surge in technological advancements, sustainability improvements, and user-experience upgrades can be anticipated to elevate the industry further in the coming months and years.
It’s reasonable to suggest that portable restroom rental business owners think about integrating such upgrades into medium-range strategic investment plans. Look into replacement costs, retrofits, DIY options, and stay apprised of information about
additional innovations that may be coming over the next 3 to 4 years.
