Our mission: To End the Age of Waste.
A Berkeley legend since 1980 — proving that a for-profit business can thrive by keeping still-useful things out of the landfill.
A lofty goal, printed on every receipt.
Urban Ore’s purpose was set in the 1990s by founder Dan Knapp and board members Mary Lou Van Deventer and Michael Casady.
That purpose — To End the Age of Waste — is now printed on every receipt Urban Ore writes for its thousands of customers. It sets a high performance standard and a goal to carry the company into the future.
Founder Dr. Daniel Knapp, a sociologist, was listed in Who’s Who in Science and Engineering for developing the Twelve Master Categories of Discarded Resources.
Moving early, often — and getting better.
Berkeley plans for salvage
The City’s Solid Waste Management Plan calls for salvaging reusables at the City-owned landfill.
Urban Ore is born
Scavengers start recovering and trading resources at the landfill with no capital, no equipment and no shelter. First-year income: about $150,000.
“Give Recycling a Chance”
Urban Ore helps lead the campaign that defeats Berkeley’s mass-burn garbage incinerator.
To the transfer station
When the landfill closes, Urban Ore follows the resources to the new Second Street transfer station.
A unified operation
The General Store joins Building Materials on Sixth Street, creating a 2.2-acre full-service retailer.
900 Murray Street
After a seismic upgrade, the General Store and Building Materials reunite under one roof at today’s Ecopark.
Buying the land
With help from the Alameda County Recycling Board, Urban Ore purchases its property — a life-changing event.
Still ending the age of waste
A 3-acre Ecopark, ~32 employees earning a living wage with full benefits, and Zero Waste designs on five continents.
No volunteers — just well-paid people.
About 32 employees earn what Berkeley calls a living wage, with income-sharing incentives and benefits.
- Profit-sharing & paid vacations
- Fully employer-paid health, dental & vision for full-time staff and dependents
- A will to create order out of chaos, curiosity about objects, and a love of people and planet
Got a question?
It’s probably been asked before…
Is Urban Ore a non-profit?
No — Urban Ore is a for-profit corporation. Part of our point is to show that reuse and recycling can be a profitable retail endeavor. Because we’re not a 501(c)(3), drop-offs aren’t tax deductible.
Where does your merchandise come from?
About 75% is brought in by people in the community — often on their way to avoid dump fees. The other 25% comes from our Salvagers and Outside Trader Department, who rescue still-useful goods at the Berkeley transfer station.
Why do you charge for things salvaged from the dump?
We pay employees a living wage with benefits, plus a mortgage, insurance, taxes and utilities. Our prices stay affordable — and that merchandise would have become pollution if we weren’t here.
Do you allow returns and holds?
Doors and windows can be returned within two weeks with a receipt (10% return fee). Once purchased, items can be held with a sold tag for up to one week.
Do you rent things?
Yes — to theater groups, teachers and sometimes ad agencies. Items are bought at full price and can be returned within a month for a 50% refund if undamaged. Arrange with a salesperson first.
Do you sell gift certificates?
Yes, at our registers or by phone with a major credit card.
Can I bring my dog?
Absolutely — we’re dog-friendly. Dogs must be leashed and under control at all times.
What area do you serve?
The whole San Francisco Bay Area — or as far as customers are willing to drive, sometimes a hundred miles or more.
Come see it for yourself.
It’s hard to imagine the Ecopark until you see the scope of what’s here. Bring a jacket, wear clothes you don’t mind getting dusty, and plan to wander.