Orcas Recycling Services (ORS) moved closer to its mission of "creating a zero waste community." The Exchange To Start Accepting Separated Glass, Lower Recycling Prices In a big step toward their "Zero Waste" goals, on. This year during the annual Fall 2021 Great Islands Clean Up, It Takes a Village to Clean an Island, Orcas.
It Takes a Village to Clean an Island, celebrates the history of the Great Islands Clean-up and the efforts of. Since the first Great Islands Clean-up in 2014, we have been tracking the number of volunteers, miles we've cleaned up, . Here's what you.
It Takes a Village to Clean an Island, celebrates the history of the Great Islands Clean-up and the efforts of. Since the first Great Islands Clean-up in 2014, we have been tracking the number of volunteers, miles we've cleaned up, . Here's what you.
Services
In 1981, a group of community activists created Orcas Island's legendary reuse center: The Exchange. These visionaries created a system to "reduce, reuse, recycle" before the phrase existed. Starting out as a one-room cabin on the grounds of the Orcas Transfer Station, The Exchange grew organically into a whimsical collection of sheds, tents, and handmade structures filled with useful items that would otherwise end up in a landfill.
Because of the space limitations at the new Exchange, we will not be able to accept all the large items that people are going to bring in. HOWEVER, there will be an alternative to the landfill: Stop in and fill out a "Donor-2-Owner" card. Add a photo, brief description, and your contact info. We'll post it on our Donor-2-Owner bulletin board.
The Exchange is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. That means donated items are tax deductible. Just like a Goodwill or Salvation Army outlet, The Exchange can now provide you with a donation form that you can (with the advice of your tax advisor)use when you file your taxes! That's great news for donors and shoppers, because it means better, higher-quality merchandise will be available on the shelves.
Kids are encouraged to be part of The Exchange experience, too! They can bring in a game, book, toy, or puzzle, and swap it for something similar that we have on display in the Kids department. They can do this as many times as they want, and can do it each time you come into The Exchange. It's recycling at its best!
We are acutely aware of the historical perception that lots of the best stuff that came into The Exchange ended up in the hands of Exchange staff and volunteers. ORS is committed to ensuring that this will not be the case at the new Exchange. Staff and volunteers will be able to purchase (not take) donated items, but only after items have been on the retail floor and available to the public for at least a full business day.
Reviews (6)
Reaga Beast
Aug 28, 2021
Report
I made an appointment over a month ago. Had my clothes clean, folded, in recyclable containers. I made sure everything was new or gently worn. I read the rules and regulations on what The Exchange will and will not accept and I was excited to finally take my items for donation.
Here's the thing. Be prepared for each bag of your clean and folded sheets, towels, clothes, etc. to be dumped and personally inspected by what I can only describe as a rude, condescending woman. After the first bag, I decided I'd rather keep these things in my car until the next time I go off island than donate than be
Here's the thing. Be prepared for each bag of your clean and folded sheets, towels, clothes, etc. to be dumped and personally inspected by what I can only describe as a rude, condescending woman. After the first bag, I decided I'd rather keep these things in my car until the next time I go off island than donate than be
Dawn Shahar
Jun 01, 2021
Report
Sasha Faulk
Dec 04, 2020
Report
AMAZING place for thrifty shopping fun! Not just donated thrift shop items but ALSO cool industrial and household parts and peices! Everything is suggested donation price and they are willing to negotiate on price. Great prices and the lady helping me with the jewelry was very kind and enjoyable. Wish this place was over by where I live!
Tylre Reyes
Jun 26, 2019
Report
So glad someone told me about this place. We drove 5 hours to camp at Moran State Park only to find out we forgot our toddler carry hiking backpack! We were pointed in the direction of the exchange and had about 5 to choose from! The staff was nothing but helpful and charming. It’s a pay what you can type of place which really helped us out. We will be back! :)
Nancy Wang
Oct 13, 2018
Report
Carson Sprenger
Nov 20, 2017
Report
