Saving the Good Stuff - "The Exchange" at Orcas Island Dump

Peak Moment 64: When you go to the "dump" on Orcas Island, you get a bonus. Along with dropping off your recyclables and trash, you can leave your re-usables and pick up what you need at The Exchange. This thrift + building materials + appliance + home furnishings + sporting goods store has no set prices; you pay "what it's worth to you". Founder George Post recounts how The Exchange grew out of the scavenging of useful "stuff" that occurred all the time at the informal dump of days gone by.

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• Orcas
• Island
• recycling
• garbage
• dump
• re-use
• thrift
• store

[desertrailia]

There are some "volunteers" there who are hoarding the good stuff and being rude to islanders. It happened to my mother and I'm going to tell the Island newspaper about it. People don't intend their donations to be taken by the help, without any one getting a chance to buy it.

[peakmoment]

Disappointing to hear but not surprising. I expect that volunteers get the first pick of donations at most of the Thrift shops in our area. One of the bonuses for being a volunteer, perhaps.

[R08GRN]

What a good idea, but what does he do with the money he makes?

[peakmoment]

I think he mentions in the conversation that some of the money pays for the site rental, and leftover money is given to other charities on the Island.

[R08GRN]

Forgive my ignorance - I should have paid more attention; hard when you have to feed the kids at the same time :)

[peakmoment]

Sounds like modern life--juggling multiple activities! Glad you're watching AND feeding the kids. Who, by the way, would probably have a wonderful time at The Exchange. I saw bike parts galore, camping and sporting gear...why not reuse those things? :-)

[splenic]

desertralia - the good folk who work there get a little money for working there but do get some first cull rights as well. They also use considerable skills that could draw much higher wages elsewhere to fix up broken items like washer and dryer machines, etc. They are willing to lend this expertise because they do not want to see waste made for lack of caring. I'm sorry to hear you had a bad experience. I have never heard of such problems. Could it have been you where having a bad day?

[afohrman]

check out my video... the seat springs, handlebars & numerous other parts for the motorcycles I build come from the Exchange... I'm typing at a desk from the exchange.... it's a Great community asset.

[livvyrosebud]

I live on orcas and the exchange is one of the best parts of the island! You can find anything!

[BrokeMoFo]

It's a good idea.. Check it out.. Close your eyes n listen,, ITS AL BUNDY TALKIN!!!