Mitigating odors and breaking down waste in units is critical to keeping customers happy and getting repeat business. Blue is the go-to chemical for treating tanks, and it comes in multiple forms. But which one is best? You could potentially ask three different portable restroom operators and get three different answers. If you need help choosing, take a look at this infographic to learn more about your options.

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Blue: Which Form is Best?

Liquid Blue

The most widely recognized type of blue is the liquid form. It comes in pails, drums and totes and is poured into tanks. Generally, 1-3 ounces are needed per 5 gallons of fresh water, but the amount may vary depending on the manufacturer’s dilutions and formulas.

Pros

• Lowest cost per service when the recommended amount is used
• Allows operators to “add a little extra” if necessary without doubling the cost of service
• The only form that can include formaldehyde, which is the cheapest and most effective way to break down waste

Cons

• Most prone to spillage
• Portion control is dependent on the portable restroom operator, and “overtreating” tanks increases the cost of service
• Formaldehyde is not good for public or environmental health and is not accepted by some waste disposal plants

Deodorizing Packets

Single-use deodorizing packets dissolve when added to tanks, releasing the blue. A single packet is needed per 5 gallons of fresh water.

Pros

• Easy portion control
• Compact and easy to transport
• Promotes time savings- enables portable restroom operators to treat more units faster

Cons

• In some cases, the packet may not dissolve and release blue as advertised
• Packets must be kept dry prior to use to prevent spoilage (Don’t handle them with wet gloves or you may end up with a mess!)
• No guarantee of exact treatment. In some situations, the only option is to over-treat or under-treat the tank

Deodorizing Tabs

Single-use deodorizing tabs are a solid form of blue that dissolves when added to tanks. A single tab is needed per 5 gallons of fresh water.

Pros

• Easy portion control
• Compact and easy to transport
• Promotes time savings- enables portable restroom operators to treat more units faster

Cons

• Rough truck rides or dropping the container could break up the tabs
• Tabs must be kept dry prior to use to prevent spoilage (Don’t handle them with wet gloves or you may end up with a mess!)
• No guarantee of exact treatment. In some situations, the only option is to over-treat or under-treat the tank