Beginning in July 2024, new toilet paper, hand towel, and hand soap dispensers are being installed in the restrooms of campus facilities. The first set of 18 buildings was completed in the fall semester and more buildings will be scheduled throughout this academic year.

The new dispensers are more durable and are often utilized in high-traffic areas, such as airports, conference centers, stadiums, and arenas. More than 1,800 dispensers will be upgraded in this phase of the continuous improvement project, which began in December.

Last year, participating vendors performed walkthroughs of these restrooms to get an accurate count of the dispensers. They also took precise measurements to ensure that the specific designs would fit appropriately in existing locations without the need for follow-up repairs.

The project also strengthens Building Services’ commitment to enhancing sustainability in all aspects of custodial operations. The units will help reduce unintended product waste, utilize green cleaning supplies, and provide greater service consistency and efficiency – eliminating the need to stock multiple non-standardized products for refill. Also, all previous metal and plastic dispenser parts that can be recycled are being diverted from the landfill at the Waste Transfer Station as part of campus’ zero waste efforts.

January 2025 Dispenser Upgrade Locations

• ACES Library
• Bevier Hall
• College of Veterinary Medicine
  • South Clinic
  • Veterinary Teaching Hospital – Small Animal Clinic
  • Veterinary Teaching Hospital – Large Animal Clinic
• Evers Laboratory
• Freer Hall
• Fine and Applied Arts Annex
• Huff Hall
• Meat Sciences Laboratory
• Mumford Hall
• National Soybean Research Center
• Siebel Center for Design
• Temple and Hoyne Buell Hall
• CABBI and RIPE Greenhouses

For questions about this work and the Building Services Transformation Initiative, contact Macie Sinn Sinn1@illinois.edu, 217-244-0909.

TOILET PAPER

The Tork dispensers utilize two-ply paper and feature user-friendly ergonomics. The units are fully enclosed, which supports more sanitary conditions for tissue storage and less unintended usage.

HAND TOWELS

The Tork hand towel dispensers consist of a pull system, transitioning from the reliance on large stub rolls. This setup delivers better individual towel quality and helps maintain overall capacity and availability.

SOAP

Ecolab’s dispenser design includes a transparent slot where BSWs can check soap levels quickly for faster service. The units contain reusable cartridges to help limit waste, while keyed entry and product fitment aspects discourage misuse.