Drop-off Reservations

NEWS

GICU Fall 2022 Sept. 24

SAVE THE DATE for the Fall 2022 Great Islands Clean-up! This year's event will take place on Saturday, September 24th...
Read More

Orcas Glass Challenge

Calling all artists, makers, innovators, up-cyclists and landscapers! Join the Orcas Glass Challenge and show us your most creative ideas for...
Read More

A Solstice Sew4ZeroWaste

With the sun shining and work spaces set up both inside and outside of The Exchange, the Sew4ZeroWaste workshop restarted...
Read More

Big Blue Glass Crusher Tours

Our glass crusher, Big Blue, has been in operation now for several months, and it is doing a great job....
Read More

INSPIRATION

Sew4ZeroWaste Trashion Fashion

Come and create a runway-worthy outfit at our next Sew4ZeroWaste workshop and then strut your stuff during the Trashion Fashion...
Read More

Lopez Island: A Model for the Future

On June 11 a group of ORS/Exchange board and staff members travelled to Lopez island and spent the day checking...
Read More

Have You Met Dexter?

Dateline: Orcas Recycling Services, Orcas Island, WA: It’s Monday. First to arrive as always, Cindy Lundquist unlocks the big, swinging...
Read More

Secure Your Load for Safer Roads

Remember to secure any trash being transported in or on vehicles. “Failing to secure a load, depending on the circumstances,...
Read More

KNOWLEDGE

Comparing Product Packaging

Plastic, glass or aluminum? Do you consider the packaging of the product you're purchasing? Check out this fun infographic comparing...
Read More

Plastic Recycling Explained

Changes are likely coming soon to the type of plastics that will be recyclable in San Juan County. In the...
Read More

Non-Recyclable Item: TetraPak

You’ve seen ‘em, you use ‘em, everyone does. These are the rectangular cartons that hold soups and soup stock. They...
Read More

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...
Read More

Our Facebook Feed

The Exchange

Our Instagram Feed

exchangeorcas

Want to create your own Recycled Couture? We're ho

Want to create your own Recycled Couture? We're holding a Sew4ZeroWaste workshop on August 24th to get you ready to strut your stuff during the Trashion Fashion Show at The Grange on September 10th!
https://exchangeorcas.org/sew4zerowaste-and-walk-the-runway/

Tap the Contact button and email info@exchangeorca

Tap the Contact button and email info@exchangeorcas.org to reserve a spot for the next glass demonstration and tour on Sunday, August 21 at 9am. .
https://exchangeorcas.org/tours/

ORS/Exchange board and staff members recently trav

ORS/Exchange board and staff members recently travelled to Lopez Island and spent the day checking out the Lopez Solid Waste Disposal District’s facilities...and we were impressed!
.
.
.

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

This Zen Garden was made using all recycled materi

This Zen Garden was made using all recycled materials (except for the glue), including some of the recycled glass from ORS/The Exchange. Thanks for submitting this project, Joyce!

Learn more on how to participate by tapping the Link in our Bio.
.
.
.
#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas #glassrecycling #orcasglasschallenge

Did You Know? Kids can bring in a game, book, toy

Did You Know?
Kids 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 they come into The Exchange.
.
.
.
#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

TetraPak: Recyclable or Not? http://www.exchangeo

TetraPak: Recyclable or Not?
http://www.exchangeorcas.org/non-recyclable-item-of-the-month-tetrapak/

The Orcas Glass Challenge is ON! Find out what it

The Orcas Glass Challenge is ON! Find out what it is and how to participate. Head to our website to learn more!
.
.
.
#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas #glassrecycling

Good pay, good benefits, and great people! Come wo

Good pay, good benefits, and great people! Come work at ORS/The Exchange! We're looking for a Transfer Station Equipment Operator.

We will train the right person! Heavy equipment experience is not required. Head to the Link in our Bio to learn more.
.
.
.
#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas #glassrecycling

DID YOU KNOW? It's free to recycle Fluorescent Tu

DID YOU KNOW?
It's free to recycle Fluorescent Tubes and Bulbs at ORS/The Exchange!
.
.
.
#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

Sign-up for a glass crusher tour and watch Big Blu

Sign-up for a glass crusher tour and watch Big Blue turn separated glass into a reusable material! The next tour dates are July 10 at 9:15am and July 20 at 1:30pm. Email duff@exchangeorcas.org to sign-up. Special group tours may also be scheduled with Duff.
.
.
.
#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas #glassrecycling

Did You Know...? You can recycle separated alumin

Did You Know...?
You can recycle separated aluminum cans for FREE at ORS/The Exchange!
.
.
.
#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas #aluminumrecycling

Glass recycling is really picking up! Last chance

Glass recycling is really picking up! Last chance to grab one of the remaining totes:
http://www.exchangeorcas.org/more-totes-available/
.
.
.
#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas #glassrecycling

Tomorrow!! Don't miss the Household Hazardous Wast

Tomorrow!! Don't miss the Household Hazardous Waste round-up tomorrow from 10am to 2pm at ORS/The Exchange. Get all the details here:
http://www.exchangeorcas.org/household-hazardous-waste/
.
.
.
#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

Stay tuned for a fun glass challenge later this su

Stay tuned for a fun glass challenge later this summer!
.
.
.
#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas #glassrecycling

Remember: If it's got the "ruffles", it's recyclab

Remember: If it's got the "ruffles", it's recyclable!

We offer a 60% discount on corrugated cardboard compared to co-mingled recycling so make sure you're separating it out!
.
.
.
#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

How many bottles of wine do you think this pile of

How many bottles of wine do you think this pile of recycled glass sand represents?
.
.
.
#waytogoorcas #orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas #glassrecycling

The next Household Hazardous Waste Clean-up event

The next Household Hazardous Waste Clean-up event will be in TWO WEEKS (Saturday, June 18th) from 10am to 2pm.
http://www.exchangeorcas.org/household-hazardous-waste/
.
.
.
#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas #glassrecycling #hazardouswastecleanup

A demonstration of how recycled glass can be used

A demonstration of how recycled glass can be used for landscaping. Beautiful!
.
.
.
#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas #glassrecycling

Download this handy resource with the 7 Steps to P

Download this handy resource with the 7 Steps to Properly Securing Your Load.

http://www.exchangeorcas.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Secure-Your-Load-one-pager.pdf
.
.
.
@sanjuansolidwaste
@EcologyWA
@exchangeorcas
@plastic_free_salish_sea
@lopezsolidwaste
@friendsofthesanjuansinsta
#SecureYourLoad #orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #lopezisland #shawisland #sanjuanisland

You may be seeing this new signage around the San

You may be seeing this new signage around the San Juan Islands! Make sure any guests or visitors to the islands know how to properly secure their loads!
.
.
.
@sanjuansolidwaste
@exchangeorcas
@plastic_free_salish_sea
@lopezsolidwaste
@friendsofthesanjuansinsta
@EcologyWA
#secureyourload #orcasisland #lopezisland #shawisland #sanjuanisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #exchangeorcas

HOW TO ENTER: Tag a friend in the comments to be e

HOW TO ENTER: Tag a friend in the comments to be entered into the random drawing that will be held on May 27, 2022 and announced on or before May 31, 2022. Only San Juan County, Washington, residents 18 years of age or older are eligible. (4) prizes are available and prizes can be picked up locally. Void where prohibited by law.

DISCLAIMER: This is in no way sponsored, administered, or associated with Instagram. Only 18 years of age and older are eligible, and entrants release Instagram and all brands of all responsibility, and agree to Instagram Terms of Use.

Another visual to help clear up the difference bet

Another visual to help clear up the difference between an unsecured load and a secured load.
.
.
.
@sanjuansolidwaste
@exchangeorcas
@plastic_free_salish_sea
@lopezsolidwaste
@friendsofthesanjuansinsta
@EcologyWA
#SecureYourLoad

Join one of our glass crusher tours where you can

Join one of our glass crusher tours where you can watch Big Blue turn separated glass into a reusable material! The next tour dates are June 12 at 9:15am, June 15 at 1:30pm and July 10 at 9:15am.

Email Duff@exchangeorcas.org to sign-up.
Special group tours may also be scheduled with Duff.

Enter to win a Cargo Net kit to help you Secure Yo

Enter to win a Cargo Net kit to help you Secure Your Load properly. Just tag a friend to be entered to win. A random drawing will be held on May 27, 2022 and announced on or before May 31, 2022.

--------------------------------------------------------------
Rules: Only San Juan County, Washington, residents 18 years of age or older are eligible. (4) prizes are available and winners can pick up prizes locally. Void where prohibited by law.

Disclaimer: This is in no way sponsored, administered, or associated with Instagram. Only 18 years of age and older are eligible, and entrants release Instagram and all brands of all responsibility, and agree to Instagram's Terms of Use.

Washington State law RCW 70A.200.120 requires thos

Washington State law RCW 70A.200.120 requires those transporting waste to a transfer station or landfill to secure or cover the vehicle’s load to prevent any part of the load escaping from the vehicle.
.
.
.
#secureyourload #lopezisland #shawisland #sanjuanisland #orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas @sanjuansolidwaste
@EcologyWA
@exchangeorcas
@plastic_free_salish_sea
@lopezsolidwaste
@friendsofthesanjuansinsta

THANK YOU to everyone who helped fund our GiveOrca

THANK YOU to everyone who helped fund our GiveOrcas grant request!

Only a little over 24 hours left to donate to this year's GiveOrcas Campaign so make sure you head to the link in our bio and take a look at all the other great opportunities to donate to!

"I hate seeing garbage dirtying up out county road

"I hate seeing garbage dirtying up out county roads. I love that we have clean up volunteers that go out and do a great thing [during the Great Islands Clean-up]...We all enjoy the peaceful and serene nature of our islands. Please secure your loads and let's keep our roadways clean as well as safe." - San Juan County Sheriff Ron Krebs

Photo: @friendsofthesanjuansinsta
#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas #glassrecycling #lopezisland #sanjuanisland #shawisland @sanjuansolidwaste
@EcologyWA
@exchangeorcas
@plastic_free_salish_sea
@lopezsolidwaste

Today is *Unique Donor Day during the GiveOrcas Ca

Today is *Unique Donor Day during the GiveOrcas Campaign! The organization that receives the most donations (big or small) on Unique Donor Day will receive a $1000 bonus from OICF!
Donate via LINK IN BIO.

(*A Unique Donor is defined as "one person who uses one credit card to donate one time to each nonprofit.")

This year ORS/The Exchange is raising funds for equipment for the Baler Building! This equipment will allow us separate and compact recycled materials like aluminum, steel, cardboard and plastics into clean, uncontaminated bales. These bales will have much more value, are easier to ship, and will lower the cost of recycling, in both dollars and carbon, for all Orcas residents.
.
.
.
#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas #glassrecycling

In 2019, Washington State Patrol (WSP) contacted 1

In 2019, Washington State Patrol (WSP) contacted 1,062 motorists for failing to secure their loads. Every year in Washington, unsecured loads cause about 300 crashes and 30 injuries.

#secureyourload #orcasisland #lopezisland #sanjuanisland #shawisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas #glassrecycling

@sanjuansolidwaste
@EcologyWA
@exchangeorcas
@plastic_free_salish_sea
@lopezsolidwaste
@friendsofthesanjuansinsta

Q: How do I report an unsecured load violator in S

Q: How do I report an unsecured load violator in San Juan County?

A: Call 360-378-4151

@sanjuansolidwaste
@EcologyWA
@exchangeorcas
@plastic_free_salish_sea
@lopezsolidwaste
@friendsofthesanjuansinsta

#secureyourload #orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #sanjuanisland #shawisland #lopezisland #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas #glassrecycling

Next Household Hazardous Waste Round-up will be on

Next Household Hazardous Waste Round-up will be on Saturday, June 18th! SAVE the DATE!
.
.
.
#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas #glassrecycling #hazardouswasteday

"Secure your load as if everyone you love is drivi

"Secure your load as if everyone you love is driving in the car behind you." - Robin Abel, King County resident and secured load advocate whose daughter Maria was severely injured by an unsecured load.

@sanjuansolidwaste
@EcologyWA
@exchangeorcas
@plastic_free_salish_sea
@lopezsolidwaste
@friendsofthesanjuansinsta

#secureyourload #orcasisland #sanjuanisland #lopezisland #shawisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas #glassrecycling

Help us win a bonus $1000 from the Orcas Island Co

Help us win a bonus $1000 from the Orcas Island Community Foundation by donating $100 (or more) today thru the GiveOrcas Campaign! SEE LINK IN BIO!

ORS/The Exchange is raising funds for baler building equipment that will help separate and compact recycling into clean, uncontaminated bales.

In 2019 unsecured loads and road debris caused 739

In 2019 unsecured loads and road debris caused 739 deaths, 17,000+ injuries and almost 90,000 property damage crashes...Let's help keep our island roads safer!

“Failing to secure a load, depending on the circumstances, could be charged up to a gross misdemeanor" says San Juan County Sheriff Ron Krebs.

@sanjuansolidwaste
@EcologyWA
@exchangeorcas
@plastic_free_salish_sea
@lopezsolidwaste
@friendsofthesanjuansinsta

#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #secureyourload #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas #sanjuanisland #lopezisland #shawisland

Today thru May 16th, head over to the GiveOrcas Ca

Today thru May 16th, head over to the GiveOrcas Campaign (LINK IN BIO) and help us raise money for our baler equipment!

Wednesday, May 4th is Ben Franklin Day and will be the best day to give $100 (or more) as you can help us win a bonus of $1000 from OICF!
.
.
.
#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas #glassrecycling

Look for announcements in the next coming months f

Look for announcements in the next coming months for new Sew 4 Zero Waste opportunities!
.
.
.
#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas #glassrecycling #sew4zerowaste

Important questions to as yourself before you head

Important questions to as yourself before you head out on the roads...
#secureyourload

@sanjuansolidwaste
@EcologyWA
@exchangeorcas
@plastic_free_salish_sea
@lopezsolidwaste
@friendsofthesanjuansinsta

Look at all that recycled, crushed glass just read

Look at all that recycled, crushed glass just ready for reuse! Well done, Orcas Islanders!

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

Today, as you're out and about beautifying our isl

Today, as you're out and about beautifying our islands, keep in mind how much of the trash you're picking up has blow off or out of vehicles. #secureyourload

@sanjuansolidwaste
@EcologyWA
@exchangeorcas
@plastic_free_salish_sea
@lopezsolidwaste
@friendsofthesanjuansinsta

Meet us at The Village Green tomorrow at 10am for

Meet us at The Village Green tomorrow at 10am for The Great Islands Clean-up! Tag us in all your photos #GICU2022 and then join us at Island Hoppin' for a beer at 4pm (must be signed up as a volunteer).

40%?? C'mon, we can do better than that! #SecureYo

40%?? C'mon, we can do better than that! #SecureYourLoad

And thanks to all the The Great Islands Clean-Up volunteers headed out to clean our roads and beaches this Saturday!

For more information: http://www.exchangeorcas.org/solid-waste/secure-your-load-for-safer-roads/

@sanjuansolidwaste
@EcologyWA
@exchangeorcas
@plastic_free_salish_sea
@lopezsolidwaste
@friendsofthesanjuansinsta
#GICU2022

Why should you Secure Your Load?...Because it's th

Why should you Secure Your Load?...Because it's the law!!
Link in bio for more info.
.
.
.
@sanjuansolidwaste
@EcologyWA
@exchangeorcas
@plastic_free_salish_sea
@lopezsolidwaste
@friendsofthesanjuansinsta
#SecureYourLoad

Over the next 6 weeks, San Juan County will be edu

Over the next 6 weeks, San Juan County will be educating islanders about the importance of properly securing loads on their vehicles. Follow the "Secure Your Load for Safer Roads" campaign to learn why it's important, how to properly secure a load, and what some possible consequences may be for not doing it correctly.

For more info head to the link in our bio.
.
.
.
@sanjuansolidwaste
@EcologyWA
@exchangeorcas
@plastic_free_salish_sea
@lopezsolidwaste
@friendsofthesanjuansinsta
#SecureYourLoad #orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

Want to watch BIG BLUE in action? Sign-up for an u

Want to watch BIG BLUE in action? Sign-up for an upcoming tour and demonstration. Head to our website for more info.

http://www.exchangeorcas.org/

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

We love community collaboration and are excited to

We love community collaboration and are excited to be participating in the Kid's Repurposed Quilt Camp sponsored by, and happening at, the Orcas Island Public Library!

Open to kids ages 10 and up and no experience is necessary! Kids will be making an upcycled lap quilt - supplies will be provided. Pre-register at the Library or email jdegroot@orcaslibrary.org. Spaces will fill up quickly!

Just a #tbt to this Sew 4 Zero Waste class at OHS

Just a #tbt to this Sew 4 Zero Waste class at OHS that was pure awesomeness!
.
.
.
#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas #sew4zerowaste

Another way to receive a free glass recycling tote

Another way to receive a free glass recycling tote!

http://www.exchangeorcas.org/more-totes-available/
.
.
.
#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

Great Islands Clean-up is happening Saturday, Apri

Great Islands Clean-up is happening Saturday, April 23 from 10am-2pm and it’s ALL HANDS ON DECK! Stay tuned for more info!
.
.
.
#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas #gicu2022

SEW 4 ZERO WASTE is back…and better than ever! R

SEW 4 ZERO WASTE is back…and better than ever! Read all about it in the Link in our Bio!
.
.
.
#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

Some “smashin’” good things to come as we mo

Some “smashin’” good things to come as we move closer to the new Baler Building. Tap the link in our bio and read more.
.
.
.
#baler #orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

Load More... Follow on Instagram