by Lin McNulty
The old Exchange. Plans are under way to re-establish the island icon, but there is much to be done.
I had the opportunity to sit down yesterday with Pete Moe, Executive Director of Orcas Recycling Services, to discuss what’s next as ORS prepares to take over “the dump” on September 5. He was eating a quick burger before his next meeting, and although I interrupted him, he was very forthcoming and excited to talk about what we can expect as ORS takes over.
The quick and dirty answer as to what we should anticipate is: Basically nothing—except lower fees! Oh, and the familiar face of Ronnie Silva in the booth will be replaced by her sister, Rinda McGarry. Ronnie is moving on to the County road crew.
San Juan Sanitation will continue home and business garbage and recycling pickup, and will become one of the best customers of ORS. San Juan Sanitation is privately owned and is not a County department.
At this point, while ORS still tries to figure out the tax burden for providing service, which is going to be about 25 percent, here are the anticipated rates for dumping:
- Recycling: $2-$3 per can (down from $4)
- Garbage: $7-$8 per can (down from $12)
- Appliances: $22 each*
- Car Batteries: $15 each*
- Refrigerators: $22 each*
- Waste Oil and Antifreeze: $1 per gallon*
* Indicates no change in price
“We are extremely pleased,” adds Moe, “for the support and commitment of Michael Aley and his family at Orcas Freight.” Orcas Freight will be immediately adding 2-2.5 jobs to the local economy, and expects the company’s annual gross income to double. Aley says the company, in anticipation of being the designated hauler, has already invested nearly $100,000 in tractors, trailers, and other equipment to accomplish the new tasks.
At a recent meeting, Board President Susan Malins, Board Vice-President and Treasurer Jared Lovejoy, and Secretary Michael Greenberg were further joined in their duties by new board members Tim Blanchard, Ian Woolworth, Larry Coddington, John Forrest, and Ian Harlow. Moe indicates he is impressed with the “breadth and depth of knowledge” of this group, and looks forward to what they can accomplish together.
A volunteer sub-committee has been busy for several months to try and put together a design and site plan for rebuilding The Exchange. Many steps remain between now and realization of that goal. First on ORS’ to-do list is clean-up of the existing site, stormwater work, traffic flow, and applying for grants to kickstart the project.
In the meantime, adds Moe, “we hope the public will be patient during this transition as we will be taking over a complex operation and there is bound to be a learning curve.”
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“the tax burden for providing service, which is going to be about 25 percent” — 25 percent of what? Will this service fee be a property tax? What if property owners don’t use the dump? What taxing authority does ORS have?
Hi Moana–
Of course we have no taxing authority–the County takes a 16% solid waste excise tax; the State takes a 3.6% “refuse tax” and then there is sales tax, which in San Juan County is at 8.1%. This is no different than in the past.
We will lower rates, and we will do it by getting better deals from our subcontractors. We are a non-profit, and will always do our best to do right by the community. Feel free to call me for further details,
PM 298 2600
Thanks for explaining this, Pete. That makes more sense. The article was confusing. Best wishes and congratulations on your new position!
Many of those on the board who are now taking congratulations for a job well done are doing so on the back of an unheralded early mover and shaker…Mark DeTray, who covered some of the laborious and painful groundwork that needed to be done so the rest of the board can take the credit. Don’t forget DeTray’s efforts, and don’t take credit for efforts undeserved!! DeTray did most of the ground work, lest you self congratulating board members forget! DeTray had health issues, which prevented him from continuing his work for the exchange, and for that he is forgotten for his efforts. Shame on you, the members of the board, for not recognizing and acknowlging DeTray’s substantial contributions. He gave his best until his health gave out, and he deserves recognition for that. We’ve all been there, or we will be someday.
Terry, please understand that this article was written reporting on a one-time conversational update with Pete Moe. Readers should know that board members, especially past president Pete Moe and current president Susan Malins, have expressed repeatedly their personal, and the ORS board’s, deep acknowledgment and appreciation for Mark DeTray’s work, both privately and “for the record.” They give full credit to Mark for his unstinting dedication to ORS/The Exchange that enabled them to move forward, and have also expressed their heartfelt desire that he may soon return to full health. Thank you for writing to remind us of the heavy cost of public service.
AMEN to the heavy cost of public service! All the more reason to thank whoever you know who gives wholeheartedly and selflessly to it, as Mark DeTray has done. No one knows better than the ORS board that Mark gave his all and that he was the instrumental force in helping ORS get their contract. Mark is solidly a part this community, whether directly involved with ORS, taking a hiatus and getting the well-deserved rest he needs, or moving in other directions; his contribution to our community will not be forgotten.
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.