Sustainability Initiatives
Custodial Services supports sustainability as one of the universities key values. We strive to provide an environment conducive for learning and excellence. We remain focused on providing environmentally responsible cleaning products and sustainable processes.
Aqueous Ozone Cleaning
Custodial Services has transformed the way we clean. The products that we used have been significantly reduced and processes have become more streamlined now that Aqueous Ozone as our primary cleaning agent. Custodial Services produces Aqueous Ozone on site with our 48 wall-mounted fill stations.
What is Aqueous Ozone? 
Aqueous Ozone is a strong oxidizer proven to effectively destroy germs, bacteria, viruses, and contaminates on surfaces. Our onsite fill stations turn Oxygen (O2) from the air safely into Aqueous Ozone (O3). The Aqueous Ozone is then infused into ordinary cold tap water. The extra oxygen atom attacks and completely destroys contaminants. After complete oxidation, the solution safely reverts back to water and (O2).
Where is it used?
Aqueous Ozone can used anywhere you would use a cleaning solution. It is effective on glass, mirrors, floors, walls, restrooms, touch points, and carpet. It is filled into spray bottles, floor scrubbers, carpet extractors, and our touch less cleaning systems.
How Effective Is It?
It has the cleaning power comparable to EPA-registered hospital grade disinfectants. Our Aqueous Ozone solution has been scientifically tested against a broad range of bacteria and virus strains. It has significantly lower dwell times than many disinfectants on market. For more information on its efficacy please view the Pathogen Summary.
Tiny Trash Program
What is Tiny Trash?
Tiny Trash is a program that was implemented in buildings across campus in 2013. Office staff receive a Tiny Trash bin from Custodial Services that conveniently attaches to the side of a standard desk-side recycling bin.
What are the benefits?
Tiny Trash was implemented to encourage positive recycling behavior. It has shown that 30-40% (by weight) of what staff members put into their trash should have been recycling. The 30-40% of weight ends up being buried at our landfill and not re-purposed. Tiny Trash increases the amount that staff recycle and decrease the amount they throw away. Conventional trash bins have black plastic liners put inside. Tiny Trash do not have trash liners, which reduces trash liner cost and the amount of plastic going to the landfill.
How Does It Work?
Custodial Services provides staff and faculty members with a black Tiny Trash bin. The original trash bin will be converted to the recycling bin. Some areas may already have blue recycling bins under their desks. The Tiny Trash bin will simply clip on to this blue bin. If a blue recycling bin is not available, a standard desk-side trash bin will be sufficient (typically grey, black, or tan).
Once delivered, staff sitting at their desks will be responsible for emptying both containers into a centrally located recycling and trash receptacle. These centrally located receptacles can be found in kitchenettes or break rooms, hallways, and lobbies.
Who Currently Participates?
Admissions Center, Begeman Hall, Business and Community Services, Center for Social Behavior Research, Commons 121, Commons 305, Curris Business Building, Dome, Facilities Management, Gilchrist, Greenhouse, Human Performance Complex, Innovative Teaching & Tech Center, Lang Hall, Latham Hall, McCollum Science Hall, McLeod Center, Performing Arts Center, Russell Hall, Sabin Hall, SB4 (3219 Hudson Road), Schindler Education Center, Seerley Hall, Tall grass Prairie Center, UNI-CUE, Wellness Recreation Center, West Gym, Wright Hall
FAQs
Q: How do I throw away my garbage now? The Tiny Trash is... Tiny
A: The items that you are throwing in your garbage are likely recyclable. It is best to learn what can be recycled in our single-stream recycling program. The Tiny Trash is tiny for just this reason, it makes users rethink what items should and should not be placed in the Tiny Trash bin. For larger items, it will be necessary to take to centrally located receptacles.
Q: What happens when I put food related items in my bin?
A: Custodial Services recommends staff take the "messy" items straight to the centralized trash bin nearest to you. This will allow you to avoid the pests and odors that may follow. Your Tiny Trash can easily be rinsed out at a sink nearest to you.