With ferry service compromised, The Exchange asks community to hold on to trash

||| FROM PETE MOE for ORCAS RECYCLING SERVICES |||

With heavy trucks temporarily prohibited from using the Orcas Island ferry terminal, The Exchange is asking island residents to hold on to their household trash for as long as possible to help reduce pressure on the island’s waste disposal system.

The disruption began after Washington State Ferries discovered cracks in two structural steel beams supporting the terminal’s vehicle loading ramp. As a safety precaution, vehicles exceeding 8,000 pounds or 22 feet in length are currently prohibited from using the ramp.

The restrictions have effectively halted The Exchange’s regular shipments of solid waste to the mainland. Working with its transportation partner, Orcas Freight, The Exchange normally ships the island’s trash off-island by ferry nearly every day.

“This puts us in a real jam,” said Pete Moe, Executive Director of Orcas Recycling Services, which operates The Exchange. “We’re still open and accepting trash, but without our regular trucking service, we have very limited capacity to store additional waste. We’re asking everyone who can to simply hang on to their trash for a few extra days.”

Washington State Ferries reports that repairs are underway, with crews preparing to reinforce the damaged beams using bolted steel plates. The work could take up to two weeks, although officials are exploring ways to restore heavy vehicle access sooner.

In the meantime, The Exchange will remain open for normal operations, including trash disposal and recycling. Residents who need to dispose of their trash may continue to do so, but those who can safely store it at home for several days—or even a week—are strongly encouraged to help.

“We know this is an inconvenience, but a little cooperation from everyone will make a huge difference,” Moe said. “This is one of those moments when our island community really needs to pull together. It really does take an island!”

Orcas Recycling Services/The Exchange is a community-driven 501(c)(3) non-profit with a mission to: “Building a zerowaste community and mitigating climate crisis through service, education, and stewardship of our waste/resource streams.”

Orcas Recycling Services/The Exchange has been in operation since 1981, managing the Orcas Island Transfer Station since September 2013, and operating a new Exchange reuse store since November 2017. www.exchangeorcas.org