Drop-off Reservations

NEWS

The Exchange is 40 Years Old!

It's hard to believe it's been four decades, but on Friday September 24th, The Exchange will be celebrating its 40th...
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Exciting Legislation in Congress

In March 2021 HR2238 (House) and S984 (Senate) the “Break Free From Plastic Act” was introduced and sent to committee....
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The Glass Crusher Is On The Way!

Andela, the company in upstate New York that is making our glass crusher, let us know that the new system...
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FREE Paint Recycling Now Available at The Exchange!

ORS is now a FREE recycling center for all latex and oil-based paint and stains!! Washington’s new paint stewardship law...
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INSPIRATION

It Takes a Village to Clean an Island

The Great Islands Clean-up is back! In honor of National Public Lands Day, come join your fellow islanders for the...
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I Need a Name

I'm BIG, I'm blue, I'm steel, and I eat glass and spit out sand-like particles. What I don't have is...
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Catching up with Historical Garbage

Since the first Great Islands Clean-up in 2014, we have been tracking the number of volunteers, miles we’ve cleaned up,...
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Zero Waste Mulch Available

True zero waste in practice! We have been taking the green waste you bring us, and grinding it up into...
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KNOWLEDGE

Smart Glass Separation

Here is some basic guidance for glass recycling! What goes into your glass tote: Bottles/jars/jugs--empty, clean, and ideally no labels...
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Recycling Tutorial: Watch and Win!

Watch this video for a recap of how to separate your recycling at The Exchange. Watch to the end and...
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#1 and #2 Plastic Pros and Cons

Changes may be coming soon to the type of plastics that will be recyclable on Orcas. In the past we’ve...
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Rental Property Waste

The road to a zero-waste community is not easy - especially on an island! To achieve zero waste, materials must...
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The Great Islands Clean-Up is happening TOMORROW!

The Great Islands Clean-Up is happening TOMORROW! On Orcas, come by the Village Green from 10 am to 2 pm to sign in and pick up supplies. You can bring your trash back to us at the Village Green by 2, or drop it off at the Exchange Transfer Station for no charge. Supplies can also be picked up at The Exchange (email us first! info@exchangeorcas.org) today or tomorrow during normal business hours. And, please remember that most items traditionally considered "recycling" will be considered trash since what is picked up by the side of the road, and on beaches, is usually pretty dirty!

http://www.exchangeorcas.org/it-takes-a-village-to-clean-an-island/
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas #gicu

Erzgebirge Napkin Rings Set in Original Box Availa

Erzgebirge Napkin Rings Set in Original Box
Available on our Online Store:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/185024915322?hash=item2b1458277a:g:0t8AAOSwR7VhK-sA
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

Here is some basic guidance for glass recycling!

Here is some basic guidance for glass recycling!

What goes into your glass tote:
* Bottles/jars/jugs–empty, clean, and ideally no labels or caps or corks– labels on may be OK, and the aluminum rim on the neck is OK–all will come off in the processing
* No need to separate colors of glass at this time–maybe later
* Bottles/jars/jugs already broken into pieces are OK
* Window glass and Mirrors—without frames—BE CAREFUL with loose glass to avoid injury

What does NOT go into your tote:
* No plastic of any kind–bottles or bags, especially
* No ceramic materials–tile, porcelain
* No light bulbs—incandescent—fluorescent—LED

Glass recycling totes are NOT required”—they are just being provided to make the separation and recycling easier. Whatever you use to store your glass, be sure you can lift it so you can put the glass into the big storage bins at the recycling wall at the transfer station.

A full glass recycling tote is considered to be one-half of a garbage can full, and the cashier will use that as a reference.
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas #glassrecycling

This Friday, September 24th come and celebrate our

This Friday, September 24th come and celebrate our 40th Anniversary from 11am-2pm! We'll have free hot dogs and lemonade, special deals in the store, and gift certificate giveaways!
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

#Repost @orcasislandknitter ・・・ When life g

#Repost @orcasislandknitter
・・・
When life gives you apples... make applesauce!

We have a lot of fruit this year. The plums are making me crazy there are so many. And we've loads of apples too, but they aren't crisp for some reason, so I followed an easy (3 ingredient) recipe. Can't wait to eat it!

Photo credits: apples from nature and the Garden by the Sea, 2 quart Dutch oven from the @exchangeorcas

Please stay informed on our current guidelines for

Please stay informed on our current guidelines for visiting The Exchange:

With the surge of San Juan County COVID cases, and the rise of the Delta variant, masks will still be required inside The Exchange. Capacity will be set at 30 people, and donation drop-offs will only be available on Fridays and Sundays (by appointment only). Thanks for your continued support and cooperation!

Donation Drop-off Reservations: http://www.exchangeorcas.org/reservations/
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

It’s that time again! Join your local “village

It’s that time again! Join your local “village” on Saturday, September 25th for the Fall 2021 Great Islands Clean Up! Contact your island organizer for more info!

Orcas: Pete Moe (pete@exchangeorcas.org / 376-4089)
San Juan: Katie Fleming (katie@sanjuans.org)
Shaw : Jennifer Woodbridge (outsidelanguage1@gmail.com)
Lopez: Cyndi Smith (cyndi@smithscribe.com)
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#gicu #ittakesavillage #sanjuanislands #orcasisland #lopezisland #shawisland

Another great collector's item available on our on

Another great collector's item available on our online store! Grab this Royal Vienna Wagner Hand Painted Vase Jeweled Gold. Head to the link in our bio.
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

NEXT MONTH! Put it on your calendar! The annual fa

NEXT MONTH! Put it on your calendar! The annual fall Great Islands Clean Up will be on Saturday, September 25th!
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#gicu #sanjuanislands #orcasisland #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

Orcas Recycling Services will go public in Septemb

Orcas Recycling Services will go public in September with our new glass crusher, and we want to give it a name! We are asking children in elementary schools here on Orcas to come up with a creative one or two-word name for our new “monster”. Send one entry per person to duff@exchangeorcas.org by Friday, September 10th. The winning name will be announced when the glass crusher is formally welcomed to the transfer station!
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

Tap the link in our bio to watch our recycling tut

Tap the link in our bio to watch our recycling tutorial and to learn more about upcoming glass separation and recycling!
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

The Exchange is looking for a new Team Member! The

The Exchange is looking for a new Team Member! The position will begin at every Thursday + two weekends per month (and possibly additional days as they become available). Starting wage is $16.50/hour. Applications are available at The Exchange. Contact jeff@exchangeorcas.org with questions.
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas #jobsonorcas

❤️ thanks. @outlookinn_orcas !

❤️ thanks. @outlookinn_orcas !

The weather is looking promising for some August p

The weather is looking promising for some August picnics! We are back open on Thursday so come on by and find all the items you’ll need for the best outdoor dining!
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#outdoordining #picnicsinthepark #orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

In the market for an Antique Freemason Masonic Kni

In the market for an Antique Freemason Masonic Knights Templar Bicorne Hat? We’ve got one!

Tap the link in our bio to head to our online store.
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

If you have a rental on Orcas and struggle with ed

If you have a rental on Orcas and struggle with educating your guests on garbage and recycling, download this one-pager we've created to help!
http://www.exchangeorcas.org/rental-property-waste/
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas #wasteeducation

Coming soon! Make sure you're signed up for our ne

Coming soon! Make sure you're signed up for our newsletters or are following us on social for upcoming announcements on our new glass crusher!
http://www.exchangeorcas.org/the-glass-crusher-is-on-the-way/
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

#1 and #2 Plastic Pros and Cons. http://www.exchan

#1 and #2 Plastic Pros and Cons.
http://www.exchangeorcas.org/1and2-plastic-pros-and-cons/
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas #plasticfree #noplastic

Great Islands Clean-up Historical Garbage Stats! W

Great Islands Clean-up Historical Garbage Stats! What years did you participate?
http://www.exchangeorcas.org/catching-up-with-historical-garbage-on-orcas-island/
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas #GICU

What’s the best item you’ve ever found at The

What’s the best item you’ve ever found at The Exchange?
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

When you're tossing your recycling into the bins m

When you're tossing your recycling into the bins make sure you're separating out and flattening your Corrugated Cardboard! Corrugated Cardboard consists of a fluted corrugated sheet and one or two flat liner boards (shown in this photo).
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

Shop our online store for fabulous clothing items

Shop our online store for fabulous clothing items like this Woolrich Vintage Hudson Bay Stripe Jacket.
https://www.ebay.com/str/orcasexchange
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

Just another way we're working towards zero waste

Just another way we're working towards zero waste on Orcas! More glass crusher news coming soon!
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

We may be closed today, but you can still do some

We may be closed today, but you can still do some online shopping on our online store and find items like this Vintage Schlaggenwald Alt Konstan Germany Tea Cup and Saucer!
https://www.ebay.com/str/orcasexchange
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

We’ve got ZERO WASTE mulch for sale! $25/yard (w

We’ve got ZERO WASTE mulch for sale! $25/yard (we will load your truck for you-no deliveries). Available during regular hours: Thurs-Mon 10am-4pm. Call ahead for large loads 360-376-4089 x1.
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

Grab this antique glass bottle on our online store

Grab this antique glass bottle on our online store!
https://www.ebay.com/itm/184869739217?hash=item2b0b185ad1:g:JoUAAOSw-dtguWue
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

Progress on our new glass crusher! Stay tuned for

Progress on our new glass crusher! Stay tuned for more news!
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

Household Hazardous Waste Round-up is tomorrow (6/

Household Hazardous Waste Round-up is tomorrow (6/19) from 10am-2pm!
http://www.exchangeorcas.org/household-hazardous-waste/
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

True zero waste! We take the green waste you bring

True zero waste! We take the green waste you bring us, and grind it up into mulch to re-use on the island! This is clean, fine mulch the best batch we have ever made! Available during regular business hours (Mon-Thurs 10am-4pm). Come in the morning for quickest service. Please be prepared for a wait if we are super busy. $25/yard. We will load your truck (no deliveries).

For large loads please call ahead at 360 376 4089 x1
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

This year's Spring 2021 Great Islands Clean-up res

This year's Spring 2021 Great Islands Clean-up resulted in almost 5,500 pounds of litter being picked up and properly disposed of by 343 volunteers! Thanks again to everyone who participated.
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#gicu #gicu2021 #orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

Coming Soon! Next Household Hazardous Waste Round-

Coming Soon! Next Household Hazardous Waste Round-up is Saturday, June 19th!
Learn more: http://www.exchangeorcas.org/household-hazardous-waste-round-up/
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

Don’t forget…we are back open 5 days a week! T

Don’t forget…we are back open 5 days a week! Thursday-Monday 10am-4pm!
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

Orcas! The next Household Hazardous Waste Round-up

Orcas! The next Household Hazardous Waste Round-up is happening on Saturday, June 19th from 10am to 2pm. If you’re doing some Spring Cleaning, head over to our info page to learn what we accept and don’t accept during these events. http://www.exchangeorcas.org/household-hazardous-waste/

Businesses must register ahead of time by emailing marki@sanjuanco.com.
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

Don't forget to peruse our online stores - lots of

Don't forget to peruse our online stores - lots of great items like these Men's Lizard Leather Cowboy Boots!
https://www.ebay.com/str/orcasexchange
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas #onlineshopping

Repost @stoltz.kau.architects . . . . From the Ar

Repost @stoltz.kau.architects
. . . .
From the Archives. We remodeled this outbuilding into a tiny living space, relying heavily on The Exchange (our local re-use facility) for salvaged and repurposed building materials.
Crow Valley, Orcas Island
Built by Moran Hodge Construction
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#thisisreuse #reusestories #myexchangestory
#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

Our community is AMAZING! Thanks to everyone who h

Our community is AMAZING! Thanks to everyone who helped fund our grant with Orcas Community Resource Center in LESS THAN 48 HOURS! Please continue donating to all the other great projects and check out some of the fun one-day only events that really put the bang in your buck! LINK IN BIO.
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#giveorcas
#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

It's time for #GiveOrcas 2021! In partnership wi

It's time for #GiveOrcas 2021! In partnership with the Orcas Community Resource Center, we are seeking funding for seventy $50 Exchange gift cards that will be distributed by OCRC to qualifying Island clients to help them meet their basic household needs! Support locally and donate thru the link in our bio!
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#giveorcas #orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

Shout out to @discovery_sea_kayaks Sea Kayak Tours

Shout out to @discovery_sea_kayaks Sea Kayak Tours for participating in the #GICU2021 via ebikes!! Thanks to all who helped clean up our islands. We'll share all the details of what was picked up soon!

On our Online Store: Mens Asolo Gore-tex Suede Hik

On our Online Store: Mens Asolo Gore-tex Suede Hiking Shoes Size US14.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/184753826626?hash=item2b042fab42:g:~EEAAOSwxndgYQWU
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

Hello Island Community… As you may have heard t

Hello Island Community…

As you may have heard the Exchange has returned to 5 sales days per week as part of our Phase 3 Covid protocol. We are currently open for SALES Thursday through Monday 10am-4pm each week. Our hope is to spread out the crowds a bit and avoid waiting lines to enter the store. We have also raised our capacity to 20 shoppers at a time in the building, which should also help. While we can’t guarantee no wait, the intent is to improve wait time on those popular mid-afternoon weekend days. Customers seem to be happy that we are back open for sales 5 days as it takes some of the schedule guess work out of the equation.

This update only applies to SALES at the Exchange. Donations are still restricted to Fridays and Sundays only, and reservations are required for car loads. If you have just a box or two of items, we are happy to take a look without a reservation, as long as it is on a Friday or Sunday.

Thanks so much for your patience and understanding as our Team strives to keep the Exchange open and functional.

Jeff Ludwig/Exchange Manager

Before you head out to take part in the Great Isla

Before you head out to take part in the Great Islands Clean-up (on Orcas), make sure and check out these map to see what’s already been covered (highlighted in red). #GICU2021

TOMORROW IS THE GREAT ISLANDS CLEAN UP!! Grabbers,

TOMORROW IS THE GREAT ISLANDS CLEAN UP!! Grabbers, gloves, bags, and safety vests will be available for pickup at The Exchange today and Saturday. Collected trash can be taken to the transfer station with information on where you cleaned up and the number of hours you volunteered. Head to this link to earn how we're CLEANING UP TIRES this year!
http://www.exchangeorcas.org/spring-2021-great-islands-clean-up-happening-april-24th/
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#gicu2021 #orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas #communitytrashcleanup

In the next few weeks, don’t be surprised if a v

In the next few weeks, don’t be surprised if a volunteer at the transfer station asks you if they can weigh your garbage or recycling can. In order for ORS to accurately track the volume of the island’s trash and recycling, we need to periodically get the average weight of the cans coming into the station. We will NOT be looking inside, or tracking customer information in anyway—just writing down the weight. Thanks for your cooperation!
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

“Girl, put your records on, tell me your favorit

“Girl, put your records on, tell me your favorite song, you go ahead , let your hair down.” -C.B. Rae
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

We try hard to be clear AND fun but if you ever ha

We try hard to be clear AND fun but if you ever have a question about where something goes, just ask! We are always happy to help.
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

Let the Spring cleaning begin! . . . #springcleani

Let the Spring cleaning begin!
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#springcleaning #yardwork #diyhomeprojects
#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

We may be physically closed today but you can stil

We may be physically closed today but you can still shop our online stores!
http://www.exchangeorcas.org/online-sales/

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

Make an appointment to come shop in The Exchange L

Make an appointment to come shop in The Exchange Loft Gallery!
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#coolart #orcasisland #reuse #artgallery

These boots are made for walking...and they are av

These boots are made for walking...and they are available here at The Exchange! Drop in today and do some shopping!
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

Tires found on roads and beaches can be brought in

Tires found on roads and beaches can be brought in as GICU garbage this year! If you find one you can't get to, contact your Island Organizer below and let them know where it is! Hope to see you all out there!

**Island Organizers**
San Juan: Katie Fleming (katie@sanjuans.org)

Orcas: Pete Moe (pete@exchangeorcas.org / 376-4089)

Shaw: Jennifer Woodbridge (outsidelanguage1@gmail.com)

Lopez: James Skeet Townley (jtownley@blm.gov / 509-860-3972)
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#gicu2021 #sanjuanislands #orcasisland #lopezisland #shawisland #sanjuanisland #cleanupourbeaches #trashpickup

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