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 27, 2005, appearing in this Annual Report on Form 11-K of the ServiceMaster Profit Sharing and Retirement Plan for the year ended December 31, 2004. /s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP Memphis, Tennessee June 28, 2005 -12-