Friends, supporters and the future await Orcas Recycling Services opening of the Transfer Station, Thursday, Sept. 5, 2013. From left, Chuck Greening, Taya Speed, Susan Malins, Lila Richardson with her children in front, Jared Lovejoy, Patti Cook, Ian Woolworth, Leith Templin, Tim Blanchard, Peg Manning, Rick Hughes. Photo by Margie Doyle
by Margie Doyle
It was a day many have envisioned for decades, when Orcas Islanders would implement their “waste” philosophy to reduce, reuse, and recycle on their own terms. Today [Sept. 5], at a small Grand Re-Opening Ceremony, the Orcas Recycling Services(ORS)/The Exchange non-profit opened the Orcas Transfer Station.
Transfer of the waste station operations and management from the County to the local non-profit was celebrated in a light rain by members of the ORS/The Exchange board and spouses, past and present transfer station employees, members of the Exchange Redesign Group, board and employees’ families and friends, ORS Executive Director Pete Moe and Orcas County Councilman Rick Hughes.
The Grand Opening of the Orcas Transfer Station — the “Dump,” From left, Gary Bauder, Pete Moe, Rinda McGerry, Cheryl Jackson, Errol Speed, Rick Hughes, with Speed’s grandchildren in front. Photo by Margie Doyle.
Kathleen Speed, who provided the refreshments, said just prior to the “ribbon-cutting”
“We’re excited for you; we’re proud of you; we support you.”
A “coffee toast” was raised to Councilman Hughes in appreciation of his leadership and facilitation in bringing the transfer of the Transfer Station to being.
Hughes said, “This is a great local solution and a model for the county. When all is said and done, I expect that this may well by my proudest moment of service on the County Council. This is really important for me and the community.”
ORS Board Member Tim Blanchard said, “I’m happy to be involved in helping navigate the various regulations and compliance puzzles so we can operate a model facility for waste and recycling… that represents the rural character of our community, of neighbors helping neighbors.”
ORS Board President Susan Malins said, “This is one of the most exciting times in the Community. It’s a great day for the land and people of Orcas.”
Then with relief and good humor, she added, “This was a gleam in our eyes a year ago. And they all said ‘oh, those hippies.'”
Really, really great day at the Orcas Transfer Station today, as the COMMUNITY took control of its solid waste.
Started out with credit card system problems, but that got cleared up, just as Kathleen Speed’s very sweet opening reception happened at 10 a.m., where dozens of supporters were on hand for a ribbon cutting.
Councilman Rick Hughes cut the ribbon on the gates, and ORS/The Exchange went into business.
Thanks so much to the Exchange/ORS board for showing up, thanks to Rick, Smith & Speed, The Barnacle, and Brown Bear Bakery for providing support and refreshments. Thanks to Margie Doyle and Orcas Issues for tenacious reporting on this issue for the past two years.
Our first day: San Juan Sanitation hit us with no less that three un-scheduled trucks–but our people handled it with aplomb.
Cheryl Jackson and Rinda McGerry rocked the office, Errol Speed, Mike Embler and Gary Bauder managed the backhoes, trucks, and trailers like champs–under the watchful eyes of Roni Silva and Robert Hammer–our absolute angels and guardians. We cannot thank them enough for their assistance during this brief, high-pressure transition.
Onward. This is the beginning of something new; something that has been seen in Europe, but rarely in this country. We are taking on the responsibility to manage our waste stream in a way that is best for our community, and the environment by removing profit as the driver. This is a paradigm shift. Something we can only approach because we live in such an amazing place–a place that is unique politically and geographically. A place predisposed to do the right thing.
Thank you Orcas.
CONGRATULATIONS to ORS/Exchange for holding tight to your vision! And many many thanks to Rick Hughes for your incredible support in helping to make this transfer a reality. As well, thanks to all those unnamed others who have lent their time & energy to bring the events of this day happen. I am so proud of you all, so proud of we to believe our waste stream can be drastically reduced… to the benefit of all. Today I am shaking my cheerleader’s pompoms on your behalf.
Also, thanks to Teezer’s for the wonderful cookies!
A number of people have asked me about my current role in ORS/The Exchange. While I am no longer serving in a formal position, I am continuing to work with ORS staff, particularly Pete Moe, in doing what I can to help facilitate a smooth transition as ORS assumes responsibility for operating the transfer station, as well as participating in the The Exchange Committee, facilitated by Fred Klein, in the endeavor to get The Exchange back up and running. I am very grateful for the opportunity to have been part of the ORS / The Exchange team in achieving greater community engagement, and ownership and management of the local waste stream.
Congratulations !
What days will they be open?
This is a wonderful thing!
What a great team to make this happen! Thank you!
KUDOS TO ALL OF YOU FOR YOUR SUPERB WORK!