Custodial Services and Waste Management FAQs

Custodians work every night performing different services depending on the type of facility and how it is used. The priority for Custodial Services is research and instructional facilities, so classrooms and labs are serviced more frequently than offices. For details on cleaning frequencies, please visit the Cleaning Services Overview page.

These enhanced services are not included in routine cleaning but may be requested on a recharge basis. Departments may submit a service request online via SF State FacilitiesLink or call the Facilities Services Customer Service Center at (415) 338-1568.

Throughout campus, separate receptacles are provided for recycling, compost and landfill. Individuals and departments are expected to place their waste in the appropriate receptacles. Custodians collect recyclables on the same day as trash collection, and they empty the bins into appropriate containers for processing.

For security and safety reasons, Custodial Services employees are not authorized to unlock doors for anyone. Request for unlocking of doors must be made to Campus Police at (415) 338-7200. You will need to present campus identification before being admitted.

For spills, immediate clean-ups or filling of dispensers, please contact the Facilities Services Customer Service Center at (415) 338-1568, who will then dispatch a custodian as soon as possible.

Trash and recycling receptacles on campus have the capacity for day-to-day use and are not designed to accommodate the larger volume of trash generated at events. Groups may request additional on-site trash and recycling receptacles if they pay to service them during and after the event. When you place a work order for an event, we will estimate the number of receptacles provided for this purpose.

Many things are recyclable as long as food and liquids are emptied out first.

Recyclable items on campus include:

• Clean paper, including newsprint, catalogs, magazines, phone books, copy paper and junk mail and mail envelopes with the plastic window removed - no wax coating please
• Clean plastic items
• Clean glass, food and beverage containers clears or colored
• Clean metal cans and aluminum food and beverage containers
• Clean, empty cardboard - no wax coating please
• Clean unused towels and napkins

Remember, when in doubt, throw it out.

• Food and liquids

• Plastic bags

• Straws

• Styrofoam

• Hot beverage cups

• Plastic utensils

• Flexible packaging and multi-laminated materials

• Sticky notes

• Used tissues, wet paper towels and broken household items - these go in the trash!

• Metals

• Wood

• Appliances

• Toner cartridges

• Batteries*

• E-Waste*

• Hazardous Waste*

* Please visit SF State's Environment, Health & Safety website for specific information about disposal for these items.