Urban Ore accepts a wide range of items and pays for some. Because of hazardous-waste laws and also our experience as a retailer, we cannot accept some items.   The following list shows some items we do not accept. Exceptions may be made, but only on a case-by-case basis.  Urban Ore staff must approve all dropoffs. Staff are prohibited from promising on the phone, sight unseen, whether a specific item will be accepted.   We pay for some things in cash and trade credit, primarily selected building materials. Generally we do not pay for merchandise such as clothes, housewares, and small appliances that arrive in abundance and require a lot of labor to process, then sell for low prices. These items will be received as dropoffs only. If you have questions about whether we might accept something you have, you can get a general discussion from the Receiving Department at 510.841.SAVE ext. 314.

Urban Ore will not take:

1.      Electronics that are:

• All-in-one stereos with broken components
• Card-fed satellite receivers
• VCRs that are not completely functional
• Printers and Scanners without a USB port
• Electric typewriters

2.      Electric home appliances that are 5 years old or older

3.      PCB transformers (found in fluorescent light fixtures)

4.      Full-sized consumer refrigerators or freezers

5.      CD jewel cases or audio cassette cases

6.      Skis

7.      Mattresses, bedding, or sofa beds

8.      Particle-board furniture in less than excellent condition

 
Urban Ore will not pay for any TV or computer monitor, but rather will charge a recycling fee for the following, working or not:

• Small, older than 5yrs = $10 fee
• Large, older than 5yrs = $20 fee