EV charging station installed; recycling tips; a way to recycle plastic film

||| FROM PETE MOE for ORCAS RECYCLING/THE EXCHANGE |||

New EV Charging Stations at The Exchange

Thanks to a local grant and some hard work by Bruce Benton, we can now offer complimentary EV charging stations to active shoppers at The Exchange.

Parking is not reserved for EVs, and cars cannot be left overnight.

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Recycling Tips

Ever feel a little overwhelmed or confused when you recycle? Volunteer Duff breaks it all down and explains the ins and outs of separated and mixed recycling here at The Exchange.

Finally – a Way to Recycle Plastic Film

If you read our newsletter and care about recycling, you may have been invited to the October 30th recycling seminar sponsored by Ridwell, a company that specializes in hard-to-recycle materials.

Ridwell was recently touring the islands to promote their mail-back recycling program for plastic film, and we came away impressed.

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Thinking Ahead to Holiday Gifts & Decorations?

We’ve got you covered! The store is full of great gifts right now, and Exchange Gift Cards make perfect stocking stuffers.

Our holiday decorations come out of storage the weekend after Thanksgiving—so stop by that weekend to get the best of the lot!

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3 Comments

Sandy Playa November 13, 2025 at 5:59 pm

So… if the space is available, I can park there for the duration of my shopping time 45 minutes for me… what is the average? 45 minutes of charge will get me to the next charger….
Colin Williams November 13, 2025 at 6:50 pm

I think someone mentioned before on facebook or otherwise. The charging station is frequently inaccessible because it’s only available during business hours. And then don’t get me started.

Of course I think our tax dollars would be better spent providing a Public Transit service: https://theorcasonian.com/a-community-conversation-on-island-transportation/

But I’m opinionated and believe we should aim to create efficient transportation networks, and baseline of public transit for everyone across the USA. Read above in that I’m suggesting that less cars on are roads are a good thing.
Pete Moe November 17, 2025 at 10:02 am

Hi All–we would like to make a correction on the EV Chargers at The Exchange: In accordance with the stipulations under the EV Charger Grant for Orcas Island, the car chargers at The Exchange are available to anyone during the open hours of The Exchange, 10 AM to 3 PM, Thursday-Monday. Users are not required to be Exchange Shoppers!