Pack It In, Pack It Out

Changes to Office and Cubicle Custodial Services

Beginning in April 2025, Facilities Management is ending all services to offices and cubicles, including trash and recycling collection. Office and cubicle occupants will transition to a self-service, or “pack it in, pack it out” model and sort their own trash and recyclables into centrally located bins found in shared areas like kitchens and hallways. 

With over 7,000 individual office and cubicle desk-side bins—many of which see minimal use—this change allows Facilities Management to redirect resources more effectively. It will save $2.67 million annually and enable Custodial Services to focus on maintaining shared spaces.

We recognize that this change will require modifications to your routine, and appreciate everyone’s cooperation in making it a success. 

What’s Changing?

• Beginning in April, Custodial Services will no longer provide services to offices and cubicles, including trash and recycling collection. 
• Occupants in these spaces will be responsible for keeping their own locations tidy and waste-free.
• Work contracted with Custodial Services for office and cubicle cleaning will be discontinued in July. 

What Stays the Same?

While personal office services are changing, other essential custodial services will continue:

• Daily cleaning of classrooms, labs, restrooms, and conference rooms.
• Daily emptying of common-area bins.
• Special services like deep cleaning, rug shampooing, and window washing remain available on a recharge basis.

Learn More in the News Article

FAQs

• When will my building transition?
• Most buildings will transition in April 2025.
• Which buildings will transition in July?
• Those units or buildings with individual service contracts for office and cubicle cleaning will transition in July.
• Will plastic liners still be provided for desk-side bins?
• They will no longer be provided. In addition to the cost savings realized as a result of decreased staffing, a portion comes from the elimination of single-use, plastic liners. 
• How will this change impact my routine?
• Office and cubicle occupants will now dispose of their personal trash and recyclables in designated common-area bins which will be serviced daily by custodial staff. Office and cubicle occupants will also be responsible for tidying their own spaces. 
• How do I know where the centralized bins are located?
• Shared spaces such as kitchens, hallways, and breakrooms have designated waste sorting stations. Some buildings may receive additional bins to accommodate increased use. If you are not sure where your centralized bins are located, please contact your facility or office manager or reach out to Facilities Management at facilities@ucdavis.edu.
• Am I responsible for cleaning my own office?
• Many office and cubicle occupants did not realize that waste removal and as-needed spot cleaning of floors was their only weekly custodial service. With both of these services ending, office and cubicle occupants are responsible for their own office upkeep. Custodial teams will still be available for services including deep cleaning, rug shampooing, and window washing on a recharge basis.
• Can I pay for office upkeep?
• To maintain consistency and efficiency across the campus, individual departments cannot contract for office cleaning services. However, deep-cleaning services remain available on a recharge basis for those with specialized cleaning needs. 
• Does this change impact my Direct Cost Agreement with Custodial Services for office cleaning?
• As part of this transition, any existing contracts for additional cleaning services within individual offices will also be discontinued. This change affects a small number of campus units that have direct cost agreements with Custodial Services. If your unit currently has an active cleaning contract, you will be contacted about the change.
• What if my building doesn’t have enough centralized bins?
• If you notice a need for additional bins or servicing, please contact facilities@ucdavis.edu.
• Will there be layoffs as a result of this change?
• There will not be layoffs as a result of this transition. While this change does mean a reduction in the need for Davis-based custodians, some will transition to care for and maintain Aggie Square, other staff will not be replaced as they retire or leave.
• What if I have additional questions or concerns?
• For further inquiries or to discuss specific needs, please reach out to Facilities Management at facilities@ucdavis.edu. We are here to support all employees during this period and hope to ensure a seamless transition.