Originally, the blue liquid in porta potties contained formaldehyde, which is a powerful preservative and disinfectant. It did a great job killing bacteria and controlling odors, but the problem is:
Formaldehyde is toxic and not exactly environmentally friendly. If spilled or disposed of improperly, it could contaminate soil and water.
So, the industry has shifted to biodegradable, non-formaldehyde formulas over the last couple of decades.
Modern porta potty blue liquid usually contains:
-
Biocides: Kill bacteria to slow decomposition and prevent odors.
-
Surfactants: These help spread the fragrance and keep the chemical evenly mixed.
-
Fragrance agents: Popular scents are cherry, citrus, or clean linen!
-
Dye: The signature blue color.
-
Enzymes or organic additives: In eco-friendlier versions, these help naturally break down waste.
Some "green" portable toilet services even advertise non-toxic and environmentally safe formulas that break down waste with natural enzymes, making it safer for outdoor events, parks, and off-grid locations.
Fun fact:
If you’ve ever noticed it changing color toward green, that’s the dye’s pH-sensitive nature at work — a built-in way for service pros to know the solution’s effectiveness is running low!