A major breakthrough in the economics of recycling sailed through the Berkeley, CA, City Council on the consent calendar on June 2, 2020. A service fee, equivalent to the fee paid to Waste Management, Inc for managing landfill waste, will be provided to Urban Ore, the iconic materials recovery enterprise and long-time salvage service contractor.
The Berkeley City Council voted to renew our salvage service contract for another 3 years. Importantly, the contract reinstated our salvage service fee, meaning that we are compensated for every ton of material that we rescue from going to the landfill. In fact, for the first time in history, we are receiving the same amount per ton — $47.74 — which it costs the City to send the same stuff to the landfill. Conceptually, this is actually a pretty big deal, because it recognizes that what we do is a service that provides a variety of economic, environmental, and social benefits that deserves AT LEAST the same amount as burying the same stuff in the ground. We are grateful to Berkeley City Council, the Public Works staff, and the Zero Waste Commission for helping to continue our pioneering and renowned partnership well into the future.
We have some really special things in the store right now. Vintage water heaters, Giant Meccano Erector Set from the 1950’s and a Singer sewing machine, We have pillars! Great for making your entry hall intimidating and fancy. They come in fiberglass or wood. This 10x10 incredibly detailed and large,handcrafted wood facade was originally part of a chapel at burning man.
There are always new treasures coming in. Check our Facebook posts for new items.
If you see something you like on our posts, but cant make it to our store? We do phone sales! Just call our store at 510-841-7283 (ext 301) and say "Id like to do a phone sale". You have one week to pick the item up after a phone purchase.
COVID update: we are open every day until 5pm. we are receiving on a limited basis. Covid protocols are posted at each entrance and each register. Stay safe and we hope to see you soon.