Exhibit 23.1


CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM


We consent to the  incorporation  by reference in  Registration  Statement  Nos.
333-89037,  333-33580 and 333-50886 of The ServiceMaster  Company on Form S-8 of
our report dated June 24, 2004,  appearing in this Annual Report on Form 11-K of
the ServiceMaster Profit Sharing and Retirement Plan for the year ended December
31, 2003.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Memphis, Tennessee
June 28, 2004












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