Drink Out of Aluminum!

No other container can match the energy savings and value that aluminum brings to recycling. Not only is the packaging incredibly sustainable, but it also has practically infinite recyclability as well as a 60-day turnaround from used beverage container to new can.

Did you know that ORS/The Exchange takes aluminum cans for free and uses the proceeds to help contain the cost of garbage/recycling operations? For years Orcas Islanders sorted their recyclables.

Any long-time islander will tell you that Orcas residents used to separate recyclables. But then the County decided it was easier to pursue a co-mingled recycling model and began mixing glass, plastic, paper and metal. Easier is not always better though. ORS/The Exchange intends to continue bringing back source separation because it increases the amount of material that is actually recycled (better for the environment), and it saves everyone money (better for the local economy). We currently encourage self-separation at the “Z-wall” with aluminum bins and cardboard recycling (we’ll be adding glass to this list soon!).

Next time you go to the store to buy a beer or other beverage, consider aluminum for its infinite recyclability and benefits for the environment.