What The New Exchange Wants (And Doesn’t Want) From Your Storage Unit

— from Pete Moe for Orcas Recycling Services —

Back in the good old days. Photo by Ron Glassett

With the new Exchange reuse facility on schedule to open this fall, Orcas Recycling Services (ORS) plans to roll out a series of new and modified policies in advance, with the intent of educating everyone on the new rules before the doors open.

The first guideline to be introduced is the “Accept/Do Not Accept” policy. The policy, with a detailed list of what is and is not acceptable, is available HERE.

“By getting this list out now we hope to avoid frustration when the doors open and everyone rushes to clean out their storage unit,” says Exchange manager Jeff Ludwig. “Hopefully folks will check the list before they bring stuff in that we will have to turn away.”

The New Exchange will accept all the same categories of goods and materials that the old Exchange did. Broadly defined, these categories include Building Materials, Home Furnishings & Supplies, Appliances, Clothing and Accessories, Home Electronics, Kids Stuff, Sporting Goods, Books, and Automotive/Mechanical items.

[perfectpullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””] Another significant change over the old Exchange—it needs to make money.   [/perfectpullquote]

The biggest differences between the new and old Exchange acceptance policy will be in terms of quality and value.

“If you have seen the new Exchange building you know it looks really big,” says Ludwig. “But it will fill up fast. We will only be able to take material that is in good condition, and that will move quickly out of the store.”

While the new Exchange has approximately 5,000 square feet to work with, the old Exchange had materials spread out over more than an acre. Further limiting space, The Exchange cannot store any materials on site that are not under cover.

Another significant change over the old Exchange—it needs to make money.

“The old Exchange operated on a shoe string, and had virtually no expenses,” says Pete Moe, executive director of ORS. “We are in a new era now. We have to pay rent, payroll, insurance, taxes—just like any business. In order to do so we need to run the operation efficiently and generate sufficient revenue to cover our expenses.”

Because of these and other operating constraints, ORS will not be able to accept certain categories of items, including: Used mattresses, exercise equipment, pianos and organs, hot water heaters, dishwashers, tube televisions, and computer equipment that is 5 years old or older. Items with significant wear or damage will also not be accepted.

ORS does have recycling programs in place for most of these items, many at no charge.

For larger items like exercise equipment or furniture that The Exchange cannot accept, bulletin boards—both electronic and analog—will be available for folks to post the items they want to get rid of directly to other community members.

While ORS fully endorses and encourages the repair of useable items, The Exchange will generally not be accepting items that do not work.

However The Exchange will be offering classes on how to repair items, and has a new classroom/workshop devoted to that effort. If items come in that can be used in a class, exceptions could be made.

“We simply do not expect to have the staff to regularly do repairs,” says volunteer coordinator and board member Jim “Duff” Duffield. “However we would love to have skilled folks sign up to repair items as a volunteer!”

Volunteers will indeed be critical to building out and staffing The Exchange. Anyone interested in volunteering—in any capacity—is encouraged to contact ORS directly, or visit the ORS/Exchange website at www.exchangeorcas.org/volunteer where you can sign up, and describe your skills and interests.

Orcas Recycling Services/The Exchange is a community-driven 501(c)(3) non-profit with a mission to: “Build a zero-waste community through service, education, and stewardship of our waste/resource stream.” Orcas Recycling Services/The Exchange has been in operation since 1981, and managing the Orcas Island Transfer Station since September 2013. www.exchangeorcas.org