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Moove-In: Cardboard Rigid Packing Foam (RPF)

Move-in Residence Halls Recycle Stations

During move-in, please take all cardboard and RPF to the recycle station available at the cart check-out area. This ensures that the abundance of cardboard and polystyrene that is brought to campus during move-in can be recycled.

Locations

To find the nearest cardboard and RPF recycle station, select the move-in map for your residence hall.

Move-in maps are currently being developed for fall 2026. Please check back.

Recycling station maps during move-in for residence halls in the Segundo area

Segundo Area

Recycling station maps during move-in for residence halls in the Tercero area

Tercero Area

Recycling station maps during move-in for residence halls in the Cuarto area

Cuarto Area

Please do not put cardboard down the trash/recycling chutes. Cardboard expands and can clog the chute.

Tips for a Sustainable Move-in

  • Remove packaging at home to reduce the waste you'll have to manage and save time while unpacking
  • Pack items in reusable containers or bags; this will reduce waste, and can be used to store seasonal or infrequently used items, or as packing containers when you move out at the end of the year
  • If you bring your belongings in cardboard boxes, flatten and store the boxes under your bed to reuse when you move out at the end of the year
  • Sort your other waste in Recycle, Compost, and Landfill; view the Waste Guide for your residence hall to learn where the collection bins are for your building
  • Refer to Recycling Electronic Waste at UC Davis Website
  • Coordinate with your roommates to reduce the amount of electronics (microwave, mini-fridge, printer, etc.) in your room
  • What to bring to for a sustainable stay:
    • Consider buying used items
    • Reusable beverage container to use at water refill stations for filtered water
    • Set of reusable utensils and plates
    • Reusable coffee mug
    • Reusable cloth hand towel (note- not all residence halls have paper towels in the restrooms)
    • Reusable shopping bag
    • Smart power strip
    • Energy Star rated and EPEAT appliances
  • Bring only what you need; remember, every single item you bring has to be moved out at the end of the year
  • Note about mattress toppers: The mattresses provided in your rooms have a soft and hard side. We recommend trying both sides before deciding to purchase a mattress topper

Our Impact

Since 2009, Student Housing and Dining Services has diverted over 188,000 pounds of cardboard and 6,000 pounds of Polystyrene from the landfill through our move-in recycling drive.

What is Rigid Packing Foam (RPF)?

Rigid packing foam (RPF) is more commonly known as Styrofoam, which is the trademark name of Dow Chemical Company for RPF, also referred as EPS #6 (extruded polystyrene). It has become common to use Styrofoam as a generic term to describe all foam products, such as cups, food containers and packaging.

Rigid packing foam is recyclable and has a resin identification code of #6. However, it is not easily recycled because it takes up a lot of space and requires special machinery.

UC Davis Student Housing and Dining Services partners with Western Insulfoam during Moove-in to recycle the RPF. Our team transfers the collected foam to their Dixon facility, where it gets recycled into wall and home insulation.

This is an important material to recycle or reduce, when possible. Polystyrene does not biodegrade and it spreads easily outdoors because it is lightweight.

You Belong Here

Student Affairs programs and services are open to all, consistent with state and federal law as well as the University of California’s nondiscrimination policies. Every initiative—whether a student service or community event—is designed to be accessible, inclusive and respectful of all identities. To learn more, visit UC Nondiscrimination Statement or Nondiscrimination Policy Statement for University of California Publications Regarding Student-Related Matters.