University of Rochester
OP-13: Cleaning Products Purchasing

Items that do not generate waste in the first place are given purchasing priority, and practices include buying less to prevent waste, and buying from recycled sources to promote recycling. Ongoing staff training of Environmental Service Workers in the importance of using the smallest amount of chemicals as possible when cleaning.

Each employee that is hired as an Environmental Services Worker (ESWs) at the RC and the SMD is trained on the green practices and procedures of the University. They are taught about the green cleaning products and the appropriate time and manner they are used, basic proper disinfection, infection control, ergonomics, and best cleaning practices. ESWs have one week of training which involves hands on experience and a final exam. They are taught area specific cleaning, procedures, supplies, and equipment. Newly hired ESW are taught from the New Employee Training Packet. Their work is evaluated weekly by scheduled and unscheduled visits by their supervisor in order to ensure that they are using the clean products in a clean and sustainable manner. There are also annual training updates for infection control, hazardous materials, safety, and ergonomics. River Campus has installed single-use oxo-biodegradable plastic bags used for discarding feminine hygiene products, known as the Scensibles System. They provide an easy alternative to flushing feminine hygiene products down the toilet, diverting these items from going into the sanitary sewer systems and polluting coastal areas as well as preventing sea turtles, birds, and fish from ingesting sanitary items and destroying their digestive tracks. Stone and terrazzo floors were previously coated with a floor finish and stripped 2-3 times a year. Now, at the SMD, these floors are polished with diamond disks and high speed equipment that gives an ultra high gloss shine. At both the RC and the SMD, Orbio Units are used. These are machines that electrically convert water into a cleaning solution that cleans effectively, improves safety, and reduces environmental impact. This has significantly lessened the number of chemicals needed for cleaning. The University has recently bought two new ORBIO OS3 200 machines. This system produces a hospital grade disinfectant (with a 10min dwell time) from water and also gives us the Ionized water the ORBIO 5000 gives us currently.

Working with members throughout the U of R organization, foster a purchasing culture where environmental considerations become an integral part of the procurement evaluation process. All housekeeping functions are in house; we do not contract for cleaning services. The following are specific goals that the University has set for itself; Demonstrate a preference for products that cause the least amount of environmental harm during manufacturing, use, and disposal. Partner with suppliers who demonstrate a commitment to environmental quality through their business practices. Demonstrate a commitment to collaborating with distributors, manufacturers, and suppliers in designing/refining products to minimize environmental impact while maintaining quality and cost effectiveness. Pursue and focus on packaging reduction. Support the purchasing of recycled products with high post-consumer content, recyclable, and reusable products.