When asking yourself about something to do near me in Berkeley with a group of friends or family, consider
Urban Ore
Why Urban Ore is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Urban Ore, located in Berkeley, California, is a unique and impactful business dedicated to the reuse and repurposing of discarded materials. Established over four decades ago, Urban Ore operates with the philosophy that "one man's trash is another man's treasure." It serves as a community-centric place where people can drop off usable items they no longer need, often preventing these goods from reaching landfills. Covering more than two acres, Urban Ore stocks an extensive variety of used materials and household goods, providing a treasure trove for those who enjoy sustainable shopping, DIY projects, or simply hunting for unique finds. Strategically positioned next to Berkeley’s city dump, it intercepts items before they hit the landfill tipping floor, offering customers opportunities to give away or sell their reusable goods. Urban Ore also functions as a vibrant gathering spot where people can browse eclectic selections, socialize, and support environmental sustainability. The business operates daily with convenient hours and encourages community involvement in waste reduction efforts, making it a celebrated destination for eco-conscious individuals and groups looking to meet up, explore, and contribute to Berkeley’s environmental goals.
Here's what people think of Urban Ore
As of recent, Urban Ore holds a 4.2-star rating based on 574 reviews.
Customer reviews of Urban Ore generally paint a positive picture of the business, highlighted by its commitment to sustainability and the variety of materials available for reuse. Many users appreciate the extensive inventory which ranges from building materials to household goods, noting that this breadth makes Urban Ore an excellent resource for both everyday shoppers and those undertaking creative reuse projects. Positive reviews often commend the helpfulness and friendliness of the staff, the organization's role in promoting environmental conservation, and the good value found in purchasing reclaimed items. These aspects contribute to making Urban Ore not just a store, but a community hub for sustainable living. However, some negative feedback has surfaced primarily about customer service inconsistencies and occasional organizational challenges within the large outdoor sorting and sales area. A few users mention difficulties in navigating the vast site or finding specific items quickly. Despite these criticisms, the majority of customers express satisfaction with their experiences and appreciate Urban Ore’s mission-driven approach. In conclusion, the reviews reflect a strong community endorsement for Urban Ore’s sustainability commitment and diverse offerings, tempered with constructive suggestions for enhancing customer navigation and service consistency.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Garrett S.
This place has it all!! It's a mix of an awesome curated thrift store, building materials, furniture, clothes, electronics, sporting goods, I could go on and I could spend all day in here indulging in my hobbies and collections. I found some great camera gear and reasonably priced electronics. The staff are busy and hard to pin down, but they will take time to show you things if you are polite.
Nadine
I heard Tesla is having a sale too after the recent pickets. It’s 2025, treat your workers better. I’ve been a loyal customer for decades but am very disappointed with how downhill this business has gone. Trying to lure customers to cross a picket line with a sale and huge signage is a new low for Bay Area businesses. Such a bad look
Ophelia
Seriously disappointed. I used to live this place- even despite how expensive it can be for the kinds of old junk they sell. Because occasionally, you find some really great gems, and I of course want to support local businesses in my area. I saw & read about the workers strike, and so I was avoiding shopping here for awhile. It sounded like they'd come to some sort of an agreement/paused the strike; however, its looking like it was not only suboptimal... but now the protests outside are saying that the agreement is not being honored. How hard is it to provide a safe, honest work environment where your employees are at least paid enough to survive? Seriously? We came here yesterday and ended up turning right around to go somewhere else. My partner and I recently moved and were looking to buy tons of scrap for projects, and to look at furniture and tools. I've spent a lot here in the past and had looked forward to stopping by and bringing along someone new- now i am just embarassed for having brought it up at all.
Aubrey Sassoon
I live out of town but it’s one of my favorite places in the bay— unfortunately when I tried to take my girlfriend during our trip into the area today there was a picket line by their employee union claiming that they’ve gone back on their word in their latest negotiations. I won’t cross a picket line, so no Urban Ore for us this trip but I hope next time they’ve gotten their stuff together and bargained in good faith with their employees so I can enjoy and find some cool stuff like I used to!
Adam Toner
I came with high expectations that were exceeded. I didn’t buy anything. I was mesmerized by the DC power bricks organized by voltage. It was like something from a dream when I came out into the light and saw the vast lot of toilets, just like in the pictures. The threaded rods had washers and nuts attached. Really a sight to behold.
How to reach Urban Ore
None
Website: None
Rallying at Urban Ore with your friends offers a unique blend of environmental consciousness, treasure hunting, and community spirit that few places can match. Imagine stepping into a vast 3-acre eco-park nestled in Berkeley, California, where thousands of salvaged items—everything from antique doors to vintage furniture and quirky household objects—await discovery. This isn't just shopping; it's an adventure full of surprises and stories, where each find carries its own history and potential for a new life. Gathering your friends here means sharing in the joy of uncovering hidden gems, exchanging ideas on sustainable living, and contributing to a powerful cause: ending the age of waste. The atmosphere encourages camaraderie—it’s informal, welcoming, and bustling with creativity and purpose. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast, an eco-conscious family, or a group of friends eager for a hands-on experience, Urban Ore invites you to connect with each other and the planet in a tangible, rewarding way. This is more than a meetup; it’s a rally for change and community, where friends can create lasting memories while making a positive environmental impact.
What activities does Urban Ore offer for group meetups?
Urban Ore provides an array of engaging activities that make it perfect for groups looking for a meaningful outing. At its core, Urban Ore is a large-scale reuse and recycling facility where visitors can explore a vast collection of secondhand goods salvaged from local waste streams. Groups can enjoy treasure hunting through aisles stocked with doors, windows, furniture, hardware, and building materials that spark creativity and inspiration. Many come with projects in mind—restoration, crafting, or home improvement—and the abundance of affordable items fuels those ambitions. Beyond shopping, Urban Ore often serves as a learning hub about sustainability and waste reduction. Friends can discuss and witness firsthand how reusable goods are diverted from landfills and given new life, sparking conversations about environmental responsibility. The facility’s staff and community-oriented ethos also mean that visitors often exchange stories or tips on repurposing materials. For groups that enjoy DIY culture, Urban Ore is a feast of materials with which to collaborate and brainstorm. Plus, with its expansive warehouse and outdoor areas, there is ample space for socializing and moving around, making it ideal for meetups.
Why is Urban Ore a perfect place for social gatherings with friends or family?
Urban Ore’s unique combination of mission and environment makes it an exceptional spot for social gatherings. Its eco-conscious mission fosters a vibe of collective purpose, as everyone who visits is part of a larger effort to reduce waste and honor reuse. This shared goal can enhance group bonding, as conversations naturally center around creativity, sustainability, and community involvement. The sheer size and diversity of Urban Ore’s inventory invite group discovery—friends can split up to explore different sections and reunite to share their finds, turning the visit into a collaborative experience. For families, it offers a hands-on lesson in environmental stewardship that is both fun and educational, helping kids and adults alike understand the value of reuse in a tangible way. The business also encourages exchange and trade, occasionally even offering store credit or small cash payments for quality items dropped off, adding another layer of excitement. The layout with a spacious warehouse and eco-park setting is conducive to relaxed wandering and group conversations, making it more than just a shopping trip but a social event with a conscience.
How does Urban Ore support environmental sustainability and community involvement?
Urban Ore has established itself as a critical pillar in Berkeley’s sustainability efforts, deeply integrated with community and environmental values. Founded in 1980 with the mission to “End the Age of Waste,” it operates a 3-acre facility that salvages thousands of tons of reusable goods every year, diverting them from local landfills and extending their lifecycle. This not only significantly reduces manufacturing resource consumption and greenhouse gas emissions but also supports Berkeley’s zero waste and climate action goals. Urban Ore works closely with the city and other organizations to provide drop-off services at no cost, sometimes compensating contributors with cash or store credit, encouraging more community participation. Its inventory includes a vast range of materials—metals, wood, glass, textiles, electronics, and more—which reflects its commitment to comprehensive recycling and reuse. Beyond environmental benefits, Urban Ore boosts local employment, providing living wage jobs with performance incentives. It nurtures local artisans, contractors, and residents by supplying affordable, quality materials while inspiring a circular economy model. The community presence is palpable, with hundreds of self-hauler customers daily, an outside trader department making pickups, and a culture of shared environmental responsibility.
What kinds of items can groups expect to find at Urban Ore?
Visitors to Urban Ore encounter a vast and eclectic inventory that constantly changes as new materials arrive daily. Top-selling and commonly sought-after categories include antique and reused doors, windows, furniture (ranging from vintage armoires to sturdy tables), and hardware perfect for home renovation projects. Electronics, housewares, toys, books, paper products, textiles, ceramics, auto batteries, and paint are just a few of the many types of salvaged goods available, covering almost every household and building need. The diversity offers something for everyone in a group, catering to differing tastes and project interests. Since many of the items come directly from the local community, they often carry unique character and history, making the shopping experience both practical and inspiring. For makers and artists, Urban Ore provides raw materials that fuel creativity and craftsmanship. The prices are affordable, aligning with the company’s mission to make sustainability accessible. Groups can spend hours exploring, debating the potential of the items, and selecting materials to take home for upcycling or restoring.
How does the layout and size of Urban Ore enhance a group’s experience?
Urban Ore’s expansive 3-acre site, including a 30,000 square-foot warehouse, is perfectly set up to handle large groups without feeling cramped or overwhelming. The property is designed to facilitate both browsing and social interaction, offering plenty of room for group members to explore separately and then gather to compare finds. Its layout includes both indoor and outdoor spaces, providing an enjoyable setting whether the weather is warm or cool. The combination of covered areas and open-air lots means groups can move around comfortably, making it accessible for friends or family members of all ages. The warehouse is arranged logically to showcase materials by category, which helps groups efficiently target areas of interest. Meanwhile, outdoor yard spaces add to a relaxed atmosphere resembling a community market. The spacious environment lends itself to spontaneous discoveries and easy navigation—valuable when groups have diverse interests or large numbers. This physical arrangement supports an interactive experience, where everyone can feel engaged and find something exciting.
What makes Urban Ore stand out compared to other secondhand stores or salvage yards?
Urban Ore is distinct because it combines commercial success with a social and environmental mission at a scale rarely seen in reuse operations. Unlike typical thrift stores or salvage yards, Urban Ore originated from a strong philosophy to “End the Age of Waste” and serves as a beacon for sustainability and zero waste practices. It partners closely with the City of Berkeley and has evolved from humble beginnings near the landfill tipping face into a full-service retail hub that operates under environmentally progressive principles. Its commitment to paying for high-quality goods, offering free drop-off services, and maintaining living wage jobs with revenue sharing distinguishes it from many for-profit secondhand businesses. Urban Ore’s inventory is vast and carefully curated, emphasizing reuse over mere discard. Its scale—processing thousands of tons of materials annually and operating a multi-acre ecopark—is unparalleled. This institutional standing in the community alongside its proven economic and environmental impact makes Urban Ore a gathering place with a meaningful mission, not just a shopping destination.
How can a visit to Urban Ore foster education and awareness in groups?
A visit to Urban Ore offers more than access to secondhand goods—it’s a living classroom for environmental education and sustainable living. For groups of friends or families, the experience is ideal for discussing the journey of materials from waste to reuse. Seeing the volume and variety of items diverted from landfills helps raise awareness about wastefulness and resource depletion. The staff often share knowledge about sustainability practices, recycling processes, and the bigger picture of climate action, enriching the visit with context and inspiration. Groups observing the facility’s operations can better appreciate the challenges and rewards of reuse-based business models. This real-world exposure fosters environmental literacy in a dynamic, interactive way—far beyond passive learning. It encourages individuals to rethink consumption habits and recognize their power to contribute to sustainability through everyday decisions. The informal, hands-on environment allows people to ask questions, exchange ideas, and engage in dialogue about ecological impact within a supportive community framework.
Rallying at Urban Ore offers a compelling mix of unique shopping, social engagement, education, and environmental activism that makes it a prime destination for meaningful meetups. Whether your group is motivated by creativity, community, or conscious living, this exceptional venue provides resources, space, and inspiration for a truly memorable gathering grounded in sustainability and connection.