Portable toilet companies like Big Yellow Services, which operates in central North Carolina (including areas like Burlington, Raleigh, and Winston-Salem), handle colder temperatures—typically dipping into the 20s–40s°F during winter—through a combination of preventive maintenance, chemical treatments, and operational adjustments.

North Carolina's winters are generally milder than those in northern states, so extreme measures like heated enclosures are less common, but freezing risks still require proactive steps to keep units functional, hygienic, and odor-free. Below, I'll outline the key strategies based on industry practices these companies follow.

1. Antifreeze Additives in Waste Tanks

• The most common method is adding non-toxic antifreeze agents, such as methanol (wood alcohol), to the holding tanks. This lowers the freezing point of waste and water to around 0°F or below, preventing ice buildup that could crack tanks or block valves.
• Big Yellow Services specifically tailors its approach based on expected temperatures: Heat Flakes for mild cold snaps (above 30°F), Porta Pak Pod treatments for moderate conditions (20–30°F), or a full Brine Solution for anticipated severe freezes (below 20°F). They often mix methanol with a rock salt brine solution for enhanced protection in temperatures above 0°F, which is cost-effective and effective for NC's occasional freezes.
• For urinals and handwash stations, rock salt or similar de-icing salts are sprinkled to melt any ice formation.

2. More Frequent Servicing and Cleaning

• Units are serviced weekly (or more often during prolonged cold snaps) to empty tanks before waste can accumulate and freeze. This includes pumping out liquids, adding fresh chemicals, and inspecting for damage.
• In western NC (e.g., mountains where it gets colder), some providers like Viking Environmental recommend extra servicing for extended cold periods to maintain performance.

3. Strategic Placement and Insulation

• Toilets are positioned in sheltered spots to minimize exposure to wind, snow, or direct cold—away from north-facing winds or low-lying areas prone to frost.
• Basic insulation like wrapping tanks with foam or placing units on elevated platforms can help, though heated platforms are rarer in NC unless for high-end events.

4. User and Operator Best Practices

• Operators advise against flushing with plain water in sub-freezing conditions; instead, use the provided chemicals.
• For events or construction sites, companies may offer "winter-ready" upgrades, like enclosed trailers with heaters for luxury rentals, but standard porta potties rely on the above.

Big Yellow Services doesn't publicly detail their exact winter protocols on their site, but as a local provider focused on reliable, affordable rentals for construction and events, they align with these standards to ensure compliance and customer satisfaction. If you're renting from them, contact them directly (e.g., via 919-321-9305) for site-specific advice, especially as winter sets in around late November. For severe cold, they might adjust delivery based on forecasts.