Longtime inclusive employer ends recycling depot operations

A recycling program that employed people with barriers to traditional work for more than five decades has come to an end in Abbotsford and Mission.

Archway Community Services' operation of the Abbotsford Mission Recycling Depot concluded on December 31, with Emterra Group taking over the contract. The depot itself remains open and continues to serve both communities under the new operator.

For 50 years, the program was designed to provide employment for people facing barriers to work—individuals with disabilities, newcomers to Canada, and those navigating mental health or addiction challenges.

At its peak, the depot processed over 10,000 tonnes of material annually and employed 62 people. Staff learned skills like forklift operation, machinery handling, and customer service while working in an environment built around flexibility and accommodation.

"Working at the recycling depot was the first job for a lot of our newcomer staff," said Nick Hour, business operations manager at the depot. "In a way, the recycling depot was a turning point for them to become more Canadianized and being able to contribute to society while building a new life."

For many employees, the program provided their first stable income in Canada. Farukh, who joined the team in 2023, said the job gave him support and hope for his family when he had little English. Jerry, a team lead originally from Ethiopia who worked at the depot for three years, said the job allowed him to improve his English through customer interactions and support himself financially.

The program began in the early 1970s as a grassroots initiative with one truck hauling materials to Vancouver. It grew alongside the community, introducing curbside recycling, public drop-off depots, and recycling education for schools. By 1978, it was recycling 70 tonnes of material, and in the 1980s received the Recycler of the Year award.

Partnerships with the City of Abbotsford began in 1983, followed by the City of Mission in 1986.

Laura Midan, central operations officer at Archway, said the organization focused on finding new jobs for staff as the contract end approached. By December 31, more than half had secured sustainable employment.

"There were many tears shed when we shared the news with staff," Midan said. "Many of them were concerned about their livelihoods being lost."

The new contractor, Emterra Group, now consolidates materials and ships them to automated facilities in the Lower Mainland.