Beginning in April 2025, Facilities Management is ending all services to offices and cubicles, including trash and recycling collection. 

“We recognize that this change will require modifications to the everyday routines of our campus community. We truly appreciate everyone’s cooperation in making the transition work,” said Clint Lord, associate vice chancellor, Facilities Management. 

The primary change for office and cubicle occupants is the shift to a self-service, or “pack it in, pack it out” model, for sorting their own trash and recyclables in centralized bins located in shared areas such as kitchens and hallways. 

“With more than 7,000 desk-side waste bins across campus—many of which see little to no use—this shift allows us to reallocate resources where they’re needed most,” said Lord.

The change is part of a broader effort by Facilities Management to streamline operations while continuing to provide essential custodial services.

What to Expect

Most buildings will transition in April, with others—those with individual Custodial Services contracts—changing in July. 

Should extra bins be needed in certain locations to accommodate increased use, they can be installed. Building occupants and facility managers are encouraged to report issues and send questions to Facilities Management’s Customer Experience Center.

“Many office and cubicle occupants may not realize that waste removal and as-needed spot cleaning of floors was their only weekly custodial service,” said Lauren Bautista, director, Custodial Services. “While both services are now ending, other essential custodial services will continue uninterrupted.”

Restrooms, classrooms, labs, and conference rooms will still be cleaned daily, and common-area bins will be emptied at least once a day. Additionally, custodial teams will still be available for services including deep cleaning, rug shampooing, and window washing on a recharge basis.

Cleaning Service Contract Status

As part of this transition, existing contracts for additional cleaning services within individual offices will also be discontinued. This change affects a small number of campus units with direct cost agreements.

Why This Change?

By streamlining custodial operations, Facilities Management saves an estimated $2.67 million annually, allowing them to focus resources on shared spaces that serve the broader campus community. While most of the savings comes from reallocating custodial staff to the Sacramento campus, eliminating single-use plastic liners in thousands of desk-side waste bins also contributes.

“Even though this approach is standard practice at many peer institutions, it doesn’t make it any easier,” said Lord. “We value everyone’s partnership and hope the disruption to daily work is minimal.”

If you have questions or need for additional bins, please contact facilities@ucdavis.edu. Additional information can also be found on the Facilities Management website.