Join Our Volunteer Docent Program

Join The Exchange’s Volunteer Docent Program: Be the Guide Our Community Needs!

by Asifa Pasin, ORS Board Member

Imagine this: A family pulls up to The Exchange, their car filled with recyclables. They’re eager to do the right thing, but as they step out, they hesitate—unsure where everything goes. A tangled mess of confusion sits before them: Can lids go with aluminum? What about that clamshell container? And where does this weird piece of plastic belong?

Now picture a friendly, knowledgeable docent stepping in. With a warm smile and a few simple instructions, the family leaves feeling empowered, knowing they’ve done their part. They drive away lighter, not just from unloading their recycling, but from gaining a deeper understanding of waste reduction.

That docent? That should be you. But for now, I would like to introduce you to Dave Zoeller. “I’ve been a docent for three years, I think,” says Zoeller. “I’m doing it since it’s a small commitment (2 hours a week) for a good cause— envisioning a ‘zero waste’ future. Most folks want to do the right thing, but just need a little education. Getting more help would be great— there are so many hours uncovered now that it’s discouraging to put in several hours cleaning up the mixed recycle bin only to have it filled with plastic bags and non-recyclables later.”

Dave also wanted us to remind everybody that it is completely FREE to recycle your aluminum cans, your corrugated cardboard and your glass. Plus we are doing a pilot program of separating steel cans and that is free also.  All you need to do is sort it and bring it to the Exchange depositing it into the available containers.

Learn more about what’s recyclable and details about what we accept. At the Exchange, we’re on a mission to keep Orcas Island clean, sustainable, and environmentally responsible. But proper recycling isn’t always straightforward, and that’s where our volunteer docents come in. They are the heart of our operation—helping community members sort correctly, reduce contamination, and maximize the impact of their recycling efforts.

Why Your Help Matters

Improperly sorted recycling can lead to contamination, resulting in entire batches being diverted to the landfill instead of being repurposed. As a docent, you’ll play a critical key role in keeping valuable materials out of the waste stream and ensuring they get a second life. Beyond that, volunteering fosters a stronger, more connected community. You’ll meet like-minded people, educate others, and inspire a culture of waste consciousness and environmental responsibility. Whether you’re guiding a first-time recycler, chatting with a neighbor, or learning something new yourself, your time as a docent will make a tangible difference.

What’s In It for You?

Be a local sustainability hero. Help protect the beauty of Orcas Island. Meet fellow community members – connect with neighbors who care. Gain valuable knowledge – develop expertise in recycling and waste reduction. Have fun & make an impact – every shift you volunteer keeps our island greener. I’d also like to introduce another volunteer docent, Jim “Duff” Duffield, a past president of the board and the originator of the idea to have docents. Duff has been a volunteer since the program began and he seconds what Dave Zoeller said. “We originally had about eight docents and could cover many of the hours we were open.  We are now down to two—Dave and Duff—and it is disappointing to not have more success bringing on new docents. It really does serve a valuable purpose and every volunteer hour is a community service.”

Join Us Today! Or better yet, when you see Dave or Duff ask them some questions about volunteering and how rewarding it is. Helping guide people through the recycling process is so helpful and important. Recycling confuses some people because they don’t think they are doing it right but having a decent help will teach you the proper way and hopefully lessen the fear of improper sorting. Less trash to the landfill means more resources recovered for reuse and also reduces the need for raw material extraction and lowers greenhouse gas emissions. Volunteering is easy, rewarding, and only requires a few hours of your time. Whether you can commit weekly, monthly, or just occasionally, every effort helps!

If you love Orcas Island and want to be a part of something that truly makes a difference, we’d love to have you on our team. Sign-up today and help us keep our community clean, informed, and inspired.

To learn more or get involved, visit The Exchange or contact us at info@exchangeorcas.org. Let’s work together for a cleaner, greener, and more connected Orcas Island!