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For a restroom trailer rental business, efficient waste disposal goes beyond maintaining cleanliness—it's a hallmark of professionalism. While it may seem daunting at first, by adopting the right strategies, waste management can become a seamless part of your operational routine. In this article, we'll review waste disposal best practices, and answer questions on this topic for newcomers to the restroom trailer rental industry.

Top Waste Disposal Methods

Contractual Partnerships: Many operators opt to collaborate with septic or waste disposal companies to vacuum out their waste tanks on-site. This outsourcing strategy ensures the specialized handling of waste while allowing your team to focus on core operations. We recommend cultivating partnerships with reputable waste disposal services that adhere to regulatory standards. These partnerships are essential for seamless waste management operations.

Invest in Equipment: Owners of multiple trailers often find it advantageous to invest in their own vacuum trucks or slide-in vacuum units. This ownership model provides greater control over scheduling and allows for tailored waste management solutions. Some rental operators choose to empty vacuum trucks at RV Campgrounds, truck stops, or local municipality wastewater treatment plants, and find that it is a more economical way to handle waste. It is crucial, however, to check all local laws and ordinances to ensure compliance for your business operations.

Strategic Disposal Locations: Vacuum trucks and waste tanks can be emptied at designated waste disposal locations such as RV campgrounds, truck stops, or municipal facilities. As a restroom trailer manufacturer, however, we strongly recommend against transporting or hauling a restroom trailer with a full waste tank.

Key Tips for Effective Waste Disposal

Develop Key Partnerships: The most popular and recommended waste disposal method is to have the waste tank pumped or vacuumed out by a reputable septic company. Many operators will work with septic companies to put a contract in place, sharing their rental schedule and how many times their trailers will need to be pumped. We do suggest contacting multiple septic companies before your season or rental event to verify availability and pricing, and also if they are interested in a contract with your business. Securing a contract can sometimes help to ensure a better rate.

Preparation: Develop a comprehensive waste management plan before deploying your restroom trailers. Consider factors like event size, foot traffic, and disposal frequency to optimize efficiency.

Scheduled Maintenance: Implement a regular maintenance schedule to prevent tank overflow and uphold cleanliness standards. Routine cleaning and supply replenishment are vital for a positive customer experience.

Mobile Monitoring Systems: Utilize monitoring systems or manual checks to track waste levels in your restroom trailer. This proactive approach enables timely disposal scheduling and prevents disruptions during events. The Mobile Monitoring system on a Lang Trailer does more than just monitor your trailer's waste tank. This app-based program sends alerts to your phone or computer about your trailer. The app notifies you when the waste tank is full, and shows the status of the fresh water tank (either empty or full). The app also has GPS tracking capabilities and GEO fencing.

The app alerts you if your trailer has been moved outside a predetermined area, set by you. If your trailer loses power, or if someone unplugs it, you get an alert. If someone decides it's too hot inside the trailer and drastically lowers the temperature, the system lets you know. Your trailer is your investment, protect it at all times with the Viatrax Mobile Monitoring System option on Lang Specialty Trailers.

Staff Training: Equip your team with proper training on waste disposal protocols, safety measures, and hazardous waste handling. Well-trained staff are instrumental in maintaining operational efficiency and minimizing risks.

Customer Education: Educate your customers on responsible waste disposal practices through clear instructions and signage. Encourage them to adhere to waste tank disposal guidelines to preserve cleanliness and extend your facility's lifespan.

Regulatory Compliance: Stay informed about your local regulations and environmental guidelines governing waste disposal. Adhering to legal requirements avoids penalties and enhances your business reputation. Be sure to adopt all local laws and ordinances to ensure compliance for your business operations.

Guide to Proper Waste Tank Maintenance for Lang Restroom Trailers

Getting Started

Maintaining the waste tanks of restroom trailers is crucial for ensuring proper functionality and avoiding unpleasant odors. Follow these steps to prepare the waste holding tank before each customer reservation or job site application.

Charging the Waste Tank

Determine Tank Size: Identify the capacity of your restroom trailer tank and use the appropriate amount of water to charge it (approximately 10% of the tank's capacity).

·         200 gallons = 20 gallons water

·         300 gallons = 30 gallons water

·         350 gallons = 35 gallons water

·         480 gallons = 50 gallons water

·         520 gallons = 50 gallons water

·         750 gallons = 75 gallons water

·         1,000 gallons = 100 gallons water

Set Up: Position the trailer at the event site, ensuring it is level and secure.

Fill Freshwater Tank: Open the lid of the freshwater tank in the mechanical room and insert a garden hose or connect to the city water supply. Ensure all bottom valves are closed.

Fill Waste Tank: Turn on the water supply and fill the waste tank using the gallon scale on the side of the tank to measure the correct amount of water.

Transfer Water to Waste Tank: After reaching the desired water level, turn off the water supply. Open the main tank and drain to the waste tank valve, allowing the measured water to flow into the waste holding tank.

Add Deodorizing Packets: Drop the recommended number of deodorizing packets into the toilets (typically one packet per toilet).

The waste tank is now charged and ready for use.

Emptying the Waste Tank

After the rental or job application, follow these steps to empty the waste tank and fresh water tank before moving the trailer.

Tipping:

·         Lower the front of the trailer to allow liquids to flow towards the waste valve.

·         Raise the front stairs and both front stabilizer jacks.

·         Use the tongue jack to lower the nose of the trailer.

Draining: Open the drain valves labeled "Drain to Waste Tank" or "Drain Fresh Water to Ground" to empty any water in the freshwater tank.

Pumping:

·         Connect the pump vacuum hose to the dump valve and begin evacuating the waste.

·         Lower the nose of the trailer as much as possible using the tongue jack to help direct the waste towards the front.

·         Once finished, close the dump valve, remove the evacuation hose, and raise the trailer to the towing height.

Cleaning the Waste Tank

To keep your tank clean and odor-free, perform the following cleaning procedure at least once a month.

Prepare: After emptying the waste holding tank, but before disconnecting the evacuation hose, connect a hose from a freshwater source to the tank wash-down gun.

Insert Spray Gun: Insert the gun into the toilet by stepping on the flush pedal to open the flush ball. Push the gun to the bottom of the tank and turn it on.

Clean Tank: Rotate the gun in a fan motion to spray all four walls of the tank. This will help loosen any material adhered to the walls.

Flush Waste: Repeat the process several times to flush any remaining waste to the front of the tank for evacuation.

Finish Up: Turn off the water supply, step on the flush pedal to remove the spray gun, and disconnect the hose.

By following this guide, you can ensure that your restroom trailers remain in excellent working condition and provide a pleasant experience for your customers.

Conclusion

Effective waste disposal is integral to the success of restroom trailer rental businesses. By embracing best practices, operators can ensure cleanliness, hygiene, legal compliance, and customer satisfaction. Prioritizing sustainable waste management benefits the environment, bolsters the industry's reputation, and fosters long-term success for your business operation.