Adjustments to cleaning services – What you need to know

Since the pandemic, many habits and use of space have changed across SFU, particularly in the use of office space where staff work hybrid schedules. As a step to reduce expenses, SFU Facilities has reviewed cleaning services at all three campuses and will be reducing some services starting this April. 

SFU is led by the university’s values, and decisions are being made with those values in mind. Our plans minimize any impact on teaching, learning and research. Facilities Services has worked with BEST, SFU's contracted janitorial service provider, to ensure that service changes continue to meet cleaning standards, as defined by the APPA (a non-profit organization setting custodial standards across North American universities). 

Here are the key adjustments that will be made:

REDUCED CLEANING FREQUENCY IN LOWER TRAFFIC AREAS 

As areas across campus have different cleaning needs, frequency of cleaning in lower traffic areas will be reduced. Main entrances and high traffic areas will continue to be cleaned daily.  

REDUCED FREQUENCY OF EMPTYING OFFICE BIN (AKA “BIN BUDDIES”) 

With the shift to hybrid work arrangements, there has been a decrease in waste disposal and recycling needs. Individual office garbage and recycle bins will now be emptied once every two weeks.

Please be reminded that food or compostable waste should always be discarded at the four-stream waste stations and never left overnight in offices. Only landfill garbage should be placed in the black waste bins. Learn more about waste reduction.

IN ADDITION, PAPER TOWELS WILL NO LONGER BE REPLENISHED IN WASHROOMS WHERE ACCESSIBLE HAND DRYERS ARE AVAILABLE

This change saves money and reduces the use of paper. In addition to the cost of paper towels, flushing paper towels has been damaging plumbing and resulting in regular washroom outages across campuses. Paper towels will remain available in kitchens and labs, and accessible single occupancy washrooms.

We understand that there will be an adjustment period for these changes, and we assure you that Facilities Services is committed to supporting faculty and staff throughout this transition. Should you encounter any issues or require further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact Facilities Services.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding as we work together to navigate these changes. Your continued support is greatly appreciated. 

Learn more

• Waste Reduction page
• Custodial frequency page
• Budget FAQ