CLEARMASTERS
tankers
one-off visits
note every time
waste carrier
call-outs
The basics
Portaloo emptying, sorted
Portaloos and welfare units are a must on building sites and at outdoor events, but they soon become unpleasant if they aren't emptied regularly.
We empty portable toilets and the waste tanks on welfare units using vacuum tankers, quickly and discreetly, so your facilities stay clean and usable and you can get on with running your site or event.
On building sites we can also empty holding tanks and pump out flooded excavations.
We do this work across Surrey, West Sussex, East Sussex, Kent, Hampshire and London, with tankers and engineers in each area most days.
We can visit on a regular schedule for the length of your project, or come out for a one-off empty when you need one.
Good to know
What’s the blue stuff?
Everyone wonders. Here's the answer, and a few other things worth knowing.
The blue chemical
It's a deodoriser and disinfectant. It masks smells, slows down the breakdown of waste that causes them, and the blue colour hides what's in the tank.
How often?
It depends on how many people use each unit and for how long. A site toilet used by a small team every day will usually need emptying at least weekly.
More than emptying
We can refill the flush water and add fresh chemical, so the unit is ready to use as soon as we leave.
Duty of care
Toilet waste must be taken away by a registered waste carrier. You'll get a waste transfer note for your records.
Why it matters
Why regular emptying matters
An overfull portaloo is unpleasant for everyone who has to use it, and a hygiene risk on site. It's also one of the quickest ways to get complaints from your workforce or your event-goers.
Regular emptying keeps your facilities clean and usable, and stops waste spilling onto the ground.
Signs a unit needs emptying
- Strong smells from the unit
- The flush not working properly
- The waste tank visibly full
- Complaints from the people using it
- More people using it than planned
On the day
What happens when we empty your portaloos
We plan the visits
Tell us how many units you have, how many people use them and your site hours, and we'll suggest how often to visit.
We empty each unit
We pump out the waste tank of each portaloo or welfare unit with a vacuum tanker.
We get them ready to use
We can refill flush water and add fresh chemical, so each unit is ready to go.
You get a waste transfer note
Proof the waste went to a licensed facility, for your records.
Why Clearmasters
Why choose Clearmasters?
We plan our visits around your site or event, so your facilities are emptied when you need them and without getting in the way.
Ask us a questionAlways on hand
Routine visits booked at a time that suits you, and 24/7 call-outs when something goes wrong.
Advice from people who know
Our office team can talk you through your system, your options and the rules, or simply get you booked in.
Trained, friendly engineers
Our engineers work with minimal disruption and are happy to answer any questions while they're with you.
Visits that fit your project
Regular visits for the length of your job, or one-off empties when you need them.
What our customers say
Checkatrade
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Scores as of September 2026
Questions answered
Portaloo FAQs
How often should portaloos be emptied?
It depends on how many people use each unit and for how long. As a guide, a single portable toilet used every day by a small team on a building site usually needs emptying at least once a week, more often if it's used heavily. At busy events, units may need emptying daily or even more often.
What are the signs a portaloo needs emptying?
Strong smells, a flush that isn't working, a waste tank that's visibly full and complaints from the people using it are all signs it needs emptying straight away.
What does your portaloo emptying service include?
We empty the waste tank with a vacuum tanker and can refill the flush water and add fresh chemical. The waste goes to a licensed facility, and you get a waste transfer note for your records.
Will emptying the portaloos disrupt my site or event?
We plan our visits around your working hours or event timetable, and each unit only takes a few minutes. We'll work with you on access so we're not in anyone's way.
Why use a professional to empty portaloos?
Toilet waste must be taken away by a registered waste carrier and disposed of at a licensed facility. Using a professional keeps you within your duty of care, protects the people using the units and stops waste being spilled.
What should I prepare before you arrive?
Please make sure the tanker can get close to the units, with vehicles and materials kept clear of the route. Let us know about any site rules, inductions or restricted areas in advance.
Got a different question? Call 03333 233566 or send us a message.
Related services
Fully accredited & compliant
We're independently vetted and certified so you can trust who you're letting onto your site.
SafeContractor
Health & safety pre-qualification accreditation, verifying our processes meet recognised safety standards.
RISQS
Railway Industry Supplier Qualification Scheme — approved to work safely within the rail industry supply chain.
Achilles UVDB
Utilities Vetting Database membership, confirming we meet the utilities sector's supply chain standards.
Trading Standards Approved
Vetted and approved under the local authority's trusted trader scheme for honesty and fair dealing.
NADC Member
Members of the National Association of Drainage Contractors, the UK trade body for the drainage industry.
Registered Waste Carrier
Registered with the Environment Agency, so your waste is handled and disposed of fully within the law.