Drop-off Reservations

NEWS

COVID Update: Alternating Intake & Sales Days Working Well

Regular Exchange visitors know by now that since COVID hit The Exchange has moved to an alternating schedule of intake...
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The Exchange Alternate Intake and Sales Days

Updated 8/11/20: Big thanks to the community for your support of The Exchange and our Covid safety protocol. We know...
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ORS/EXCHANGE AIR QUALITY ALERT

In the interest of your health, and the health of our employees, be advised that The Exchange store will be...
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Exchange Loses Outlet for Excess Clothing; Forced to Limit Intake

The Exchange has always received A LOT of clothes. A lot of bedding. Towels. Bags and shoes. Textiles. Way more...
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INSPIRATION

Cleaning up Litter Around the Island

Thanks to everyone who participated in the 5th annual fall Great Islands Clean-up! For the first time the event spanned...
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Fall 2020 Great Islands Clean Up

Thanks to everyone who participated in this year's Fall 2020 Great Islands Clean Up! We know it was a little...
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A “Good” Clothing Option

The Exchange continues to have some limitations on accepting clothing donations and we understand this, in turn, effects our customers’...
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ORS Responds To Racial Injustice

“It is ORS policy that all decisions involving any aspect of the employment relationship will be made without regard to...
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KNOWLEDGE

Put Cardboard in its Place

When you pull up to the recycling area at ORS you may already know that the dedicated cardboard container is...
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What Contaminates a Load of Mixed Recycling?

Last month we focused on how plastic bags, sheets, packing pillows, and other items can mess up the sophisticated machinery...
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September Recycling Tip: The Scoop On Recycling Plastic Film

For more than a year ORS has been encouraging folks to put all plastic film (plastic bags, plastic wraps, bubble...
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August Recycling Tip: No Plastic Film

This summer, you may meet one of our Recycling Docents at the Orcas Transfer Station when you drop off your...
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exchangeorcas

Like most of the small businesses on Orcas, we are

Like most of the small businesses on Orcas, we are having trouble finding affordable housing for our staff. A number of our employees are looking for rentals right now. If you have any leads, please email us at info@exchangeorcas.org!
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

Thanks to everyone who participated in the [social

Thanks to everyone who participated in the [socially distanced] Fall 2020 Great Islands Clean Up.
http://www.exchangeorcas.org/cleaning-up-litter-around-the-island/

Art Trash by Nikyta Palmisani
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#gicu2020 #orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

Update on The Exchange during COVID. Thanks to eve

Update on The Exchange during COVID. Thanks to everyone for their continued patience!
http://www.exchangeorcas.org/covid-update-alternating-intake-sales-days-working-well/
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

Say hi to our featured employee, Anne Garfield! An

Say hi to our featured employee, Anne Garfield! Anne has been on Orcas Island since1987. She picks up jobs wherever and is happy to have landed at The Exchange - and we're happy to have her!
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

Don’t forget to visit our online store for finds

Don’t forget to visit our online store for finds like this Remy Men’s Black Leather Jacket! (Ship only option)
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Remy-Leather-Coat-Mens-Size-42-Black/184266457806?hash=item2ae72302ce:g:SS0AAOSw-~peo1TW
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

Sign-up to receive our monthly newsletter and stay

Sign-up to receive our monthly newsletter and stay informed on all our latest news! Link in bio.
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

Chinese Embroidered Silk - available on our "Orcas

Chinese Embroidered Silk - available on our "Orcas Island" online store. Tap the photo to purchase. Pick-up on-island only.

https://exchange-store.shopsettings.com/Framed-Chinese-Embroidered-Silk-p188632455
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

A little paint recycling from the Household Hazard

A little paint recycling from the Household Hazardous Waste Round Up.
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas #paintrecycling

Thanks to all the Superheroes - big and small - wh

Thanks to all the Superheroes - big and small - who helped clean up this last week during the #GICU2020 !
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

Thanks to everyone who participated in the Househo

Thanks to everyone who participated in the Household Hazardous Waste Round Up on Saturday!
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

Great Islands Clean-Up gear will be ready for pick

Great Islands Clean-Up gear will be ready for pick-up at The Exchange starting TOMORROW, Saturday 9/26. Come in, sign-up, grab gear, and map out your route for next week. Gear will be available all week (while supplies last) and the weather next week looks AMAZING! The #GICU2020 will run from 9/28 thru 10/4. Any trash picked up on roads and beaches during the week can be dropped off at the Transfer Station for free. Get out there and be an Island Superhero!
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

Participating in the #GICU2020 next week? Kits wit

Participating in the #GICU2020 next week? Kits with grabbers, vests, garbage bags, gloves and instructions will be available at the Or as Transfer Station beginning this Saturday 9/26!
http://www.exchangeorcas.org/fall-2020-great-islands-clean-up-will-be-a-week-long-event/
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

THIS Saturday, 9/26 come on out fo the Household H

THIS Saturday, 9/26 come on out fo the Household Hazardous Waste Round-Up. 10am-2pm. For all the details tap the link in our bio.
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

More information on recycling plastic film. http:/

More information on recycling plastic film.
http://www.exchangeorcas.org/september-recycling-tip-the-scoop-on-recycling-plastic-film/
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

Who’s participating in the Fall 2020 Great Islan

Who’s participating in the Fall 2020 Great Islands Clean Up this month? Check out all the details at the link in our bio!
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#gicu2020 #orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

This 43" Samsung HD Non-smart TV with stand and re

This 43" Samsung HD Non-smart TV with stand and remote is available on our ORCAS ISLAND Online Store. https://exchange-store.shopsettings.com/43-Samsung-HD-Non-smart-TV-with-stand-and-remote-p187375296
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

**ORS/EXCHANGE AIR QUALITY ALERT** Dear Exchange/

**ORS/EXCHANGE AIR QUALITY ALERT**

Dear Exchange/ORS Customers:

In the interest of your health, and the health of our employees, be advised that The Exchange store will be closed if the Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeds 200; and the entire Orcas Transfer Station will be closed if the AQI exceeds 250.

While fire storms continue, we STRONGLY suggest that you call us at 360 376 4089 or check the website at www.exchangeorcas.org BEFORE you load your vehicle and come to the transfer station.

We also encourage you to stay at home and avoid physical activity if the AQI is above 150, which is the threshold of “Unhealthy” air quality. Check current AQI levels here: https://fire.airnow.gov

Stay well,
Orcas Recycling Services/The Exchange
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

Learn how an entire load of recycling can go from

Learn how an entire load of recycling can go from being recyclable to heading straight to the landfill just by adding the wrong items to a recycling bin. http://www.exchangeorcas.org/what-contaminates-a-load-of-mixed-recycling/
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

Saturday 9/26 is the next Household Hazardous Wast

Saturday 9/26 is the next Household Hazardous Waste Round-up from 10am to 2pm. Make sure you read about what we can and cannot accept!
http://www.exchangeorcas.org/household-hazardous-waste/
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas #householdhazardouswaste

Need a car? Available on our Online Store: Matchbo

Need a car? Available on our Online Store: Matchbox Series No. 24 0 Rolls Royce Silver Shadow (not driveable 😂)
https://www.ebay.com/str/orcasexchange
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#matchboxcars
#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

Who’s with us??? If you plan on participating in

Who’s with us??? If you plan on participating in the GICU later this month, comment on who your favorite superhero is and why!
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas #GICU2020

This beautiful set of handmade bowls is available

This beautiful set of handmade bowls is available on our Orcas Island online store. Get it today!
https://exchange-store.shopsettings.com/Gorgeous-Handmade-bowl-set-p188629662
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

While The Exchange is still on limited intake for

While The Exchange is still on limited intake for clothing, check out this option for gently used clothing that Board Member Asifa Pasin has personally tried! http://www.exchangeorcas.org/a-good-clothing-option/
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

Saturday, September 26th! The next Household Haza

Saturday, September 26th!

The next Household Hazardous Waste Round-up will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Items that do not have a readable label will not be accepted.

In addition to the items listed below, please visit the Household Hazardous Waste page to learn more about what you can bring.
-Oil-based paint will be accepted
-Latex paint will be accepted (for a fee)
-This is the ONLY event during the year that we will accept used fuels (gasoline, diesel, kerosene, propane)

This event is County/ORS funded for HOUSEHOLDS only. Businesses will need to pre-register and fill out a form.

Open for shopping today! . . . #orcasisland #sanju

Open for shopping today!
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

SAVE THE DATE (and the planet)! Be an Island SUPER

SAVE THE DATE (and the planet)! Be an Island SUPERHERO during this year’s Great Islands Clean Up. Monday, September 28th thru Sunday, October 4th! Stay tuned for more info.
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#GICU2020 #orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

Meet Sara! She’s worked at The Exchange for abou

Meet Sara! She’s worked at The Exchange for about two years and is one of our key organizers. She moved to Orcas in March of 2018 to live and work at the Bullock's Permaculture Homestead in Deer Harbor. Her main interests are gardening, pottery, bird watching, wood carving, and anything outdoors. Say hi next time you see her!
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

We have added two more reservation slots to each E

We have added two more reservation slots to each Exchange drop-off day (Friday & Sunday). Be sure to check the calendar if you’re looking for an earlier date. Last minute cancellations happen often, and then those spots are made available. Thanks to everyone for your patience and for following all the protocols that have been put in place! Tap the “Drop-off Reservations” link on our website.
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

Thursday night, August 13, a fire broke out at the

Thursday night, August 13, a fire broke out at the Orcas Island transfer station. The fire started in the 48-foot garbage trailer in the tipping floor building. Thanks to quick work by Incident Commander Kasey Jo Weigley and her crew, the fire was contained inside the steel shipping container, and no other equipment was significantly damaged. ORS sends a huge thanks to OIFD staff and volunteers who truly saved the day.

We also hope that it will serve as a reminder to please pay attention to what you throw out—no batteries, paint, chemicals, greasy or oily rags—they can and will ignite! ORS has recycling programs for most of these materials, and the Hazardous (and flammable) Waste Clean Up is next month! Head to our website for more info. Link in bio.
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

The biggest offender in the recycling bins...plast

The biggest offender in the recycling bins...plastic film. Read more: http://www.exchangeorcas.org/august-recycling-tip-no-plastic-film/
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

What 4 songs would you HAVE to have on a jukebox?

What 4 songs would you HAVE to have on a jukebox? (And sorry, this is not available).
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#jukebox #orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

Give yourself a high five ✋🏽and comment “ME

Give yourself a high five ✋🏽and comment “ME” if you were one of these people! We love our community!
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

Ever think about what happens to your Garbage afte

Ever think about what happens to your Garbage after it's "out of sight"? Read on to better understand the goal for zero waste on Orcas!

1. We push all the garbage into 48-foot long containers that hold up to 24 tons. We cover the trailers with a heavy tarp, and set it out in the yard for pick-up.

2. Our friends at Orcas Freight then pick up these garbage containers, and take them to the mainland on the ferry.

3. Orcas Freight drives them to a rail yard in Burlington, just off highway 20, on Farm To Market road.

4. Full containers are lifted off the truck trailer, and set on flat rail cars. At this point they become the property of Allied Waste/Republic Services, one of the biggest garbage companies in the Country. Allied/Republic then transports the garbage over the mountains to the tiny place called Roosevelt, in eastern Washington. A huge landfill, about a mile from the Columbia River, is the final resting place for your garbage. 350 miles from Orcas.
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

“Bicycle, bicycle, bicycle I want to ride my bic

“Bicycle, bicycle, bicycle
I want to ride my bicycle, bicycle, bicycle
I want to ride my bicycle
I want to ride my bike
I want to ride my bicycle
I want to ride it where I like” -Queen
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#bicyclesongs #orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

Tools of summer. What garden or landscaping tool h

Tools of summer. What garden or landscaping tool have you been using the most during Summer 2020?
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

Seen these signs by the recycling bins? Separating

Seen these signs by the recycling bins? Separating out the right kind of cardboard (and aluminum cans) really helps with waste management costs! Docents and staff are happy to explain more and answer any questions!
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

Come shop safely with us tomorrow (Saturday) 10am-

Come shop safely with us tomorrow (Saturday) 10am-4pm!
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

This gorgeous Hot Ice Pottery is available on our

This gorgeous Hot Ice Pottery is available on our Locals Only Online Store.
https://exchange-store.shopsettings.com/Hot-Ice-Pottery-p199688175
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

Great piece of art! . . . #orcasisland #sanjuanisl

Great piece of art!
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

Safety first. . . . #orcasisland #sanjuanislands #

Safety first.
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas #covid19safety #maskup

We are closed today but you can still do some virt

We are closed today but you can still do some virtual shopping on one of our two online stores!
http://www.exchangeorcas.org/online-sales/
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

Learn more about what’s going on with our clothi

Learn more about what’s going on with our clothing recycling stream. http://www.exchangeorcas.org/exchange-loses-outlet-for-excess-clothing-forced-to-limit-intake/
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

Love recycling? Consider becoming a docent at the

Love recycling? Consider becoming a docent at the Transfer Station this summer!
http://www.exchangeorcas.org/the-value-of-docents-at-the-transfer-station/
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

Check out the July Recycling Tip. [Hint: It has to

Check out the July Recycling Tip. [Hint: It has to do with aluminum!]
http://www.exchangeorcas.org/july-recycling-tip/
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas #recyclealuminum

A BIG THANK YOU to our staff for keeping things sa

A BIG THANK YOU to our staff for keeping things safe!
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

This view. . . . #orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zer

This view.
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

What’s been your best book 📚 find at The Exch

What’s been your best book 📚 find at The Exchange?
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

The next Household Hazardous Waste event will be S

The next Household Hazardous Waste event will be September 26th! Take a look at what we can and cannot accept.
http://www.exchangeorcas.org/household-hazardous-waste/
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

Support The Exchange by Checking out this Special

Support The Exchange by Checking out this Special Auction!

We recently helped a family transition off of Orcas. They had a very large art collection we helped appraise and distribute. Many of the items were valuable and not practical to sell locally and are part of a LIVE auction showcasing some beautiful Northwest Fine Arts & Native Americana pieces. The auction ends at 5pm PT on tomorrow (6/25). You can browse and bid on items here:
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/catalog/171171_northwest-fine-arts-and-native-americana/?page=2
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

Head to our Story and find out how to help us keep

Head to our Story and find out how to help us keep this from happening!
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#beadocent #orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas #recycleright

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