The Abbotsford Mission Recycling program is inviting the community to a special Open House & Community Appreciation Day on Saturday, November 22nd from 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM at the Abbotsford Mission Recycling Depot (33670 Valley Road, Abbotsford).
This event offers a unique opportunity for residents to tour the recycling facility before regular operations wrap up at the end of the year and to learn about the history and impact of the recycling program over the past 42 years.
Hot dogs and drinks will be available by donation, with all proceeds going to support the Archway Food Bank.
“This event is a chance to celebrate the incredible work of our staff, thank the community for their support, and reflect on the legacy of the recycling program,” said Laura Midan, Central Operations Officer at Archway Community Services. “We hope to see many familiar faces as we say goodbye and show our appreciation.”
Staff members are also reflecting on what this closure means to them.
“We’re like a family here at recycling. If it wasn’t for being laid off, I would never leave,” said James, a staff member who has worked at the recycling depot for over five years.
Midan and her team are assisting their staff in looking for new employment opportunities and are proud that 12 members have already secured employment.
“We are grateful that employers are stepping up and seeing the potential in our dedicated, hardworking team. They have so much to offer and want to be part of the community,” said Nick Hour, business operations manager for the Abbotsford Mission Recycling program.
Run by Archway Community Services, the Abbotsford Mission Recycling program has provided recycling services for the City of Abbotsford since 1983 and the City of Mission since 1986. As a cornerstone of sustainability and inclusive employment in Abbotsford and Mission, the program has provided meaningful work opportunities and environmental stewardship.
The Abbotsford and Mission recycling depots process over 10,000 tonnes annually which includes curbside recycling and a variety of materials accepted at the drop-off locations. A new contractor will take over the operation effective January 2026 to process drop-off materials, and the sorting will take place outside of Abbotsford.
“This event is a chance to celebrate the incredible work of our staff, thank the community for their support, and reflect on the legacy of the recycling program. We hope to see many familiar faces as we say goodbye and show our appreciation.”
“We are grateful that employers are stepping up and seeing the potential in our dedicated, hardworking team. They have so much to offer and want to be part of the community.”