The Exchange rises again; opening on June 18

New COVID rules are changing things, however, with intake, sales day rotations

— from Orcas Recycling Service —

The Exchange reuse store, located at the Orcas Island Transfer Station, will re-open on Thursday, June 18, with normal days and hours of operation, Thursday – Monday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. However, due to COVID and an expected post lockdown tsunami of incoming material, operations will be very different than usual.

The Exchange will only accept drop-offs on Friday and Sunday, and reservations will be required. The Exchange will be closed to shoppers on these days.

The Exchange will be open to shoppers on Thursday, Saturday and Monday. Masks will be required, and foot traffic will be controlled by staff, as per Washington State guidelines for “Phase 2” retail operations.

“We have been working hard for several weeks on our re-opening plan,” says Jeff Ludwig, Exchange General Manager. “Every section of the store has been cleaned up, and re-thought with County and State COVID safety
guidelines in mind.”

Ludwig explained that because of the possibility of drop-off items being contaminated, they had to come up with a plan for ‘decontamination’, which involves letting items sit in quarantine for as much as 72 hours. This led to the policy of alternating intake and retail days.

Intake staff have been directed to be much more discerning in what they accept. They will be looking for items that are gently used, clean, complete, fully operational, and immediately useable by others. “Bring us the types and quality of items you would hope to find when shopping at the Exchange for yourself,” says Ludwig.

A revised “Accept/Do Not Accept” list is available on the website.
The Exchange is requesting that all items brought in be in either cardboard boxes, or brown paper shopping bags.

And in expectation of a COVI cleanout tsunami, the Exchange has re-launched its online drop-off reservation system, which you can find at www.exchangeorcas.org/reservations. A reservation will be required for drop-offs.

Shopping days of Thursday, Saturday and Monday, will be different, too. The number of people in the store will be limited by staff, which could cause lines to form. Masks will be required, and social distancing will be expected.
Hand sanitizer will be available at the entrance (north side of building) and the exit (south side, near cash register).

The Exchange is asking that people refrain from bringing children in the store during Phase 2. “We know that these new policies will create some problems for people, and we ask for everyone’s patience,” says Ludwig. “Our board and staff look forward to collaborating with the community as together we navigate the new normal.”