Archway Recycling Program Staff
The cities of Abbotsford and Mission will end their contract for residential and commercial recycling services with Archway Community Services at the end of the year.
“We are grateful for the decades of ‘doing good and doing well’ that’s been demonstrated by the municipalities in providing inclusive employment whilst also championing a commitment to the environment,” said Rod Santiago, Archway CEO. “However, discontinuing the contract at this time will terminate longtime employment for 62 local residents in our community.”
Archway has provided recycling services for the City of Abbotsford since 1983 and the City of Mission since 1986. The Abbotsford and Mission recycling depots process over 10,000 tonnes annually which includes curbside recycling, as well as a variety of materials accepted at their drop-off locations. A new contractor will take over the operation effective January 2026. Curbside materials will now be consolidated rather than sorted on site and sent to another facility in the lower mainland where it will be processed using automated machines.
“We are led to understand that the municipalities are trying to cut costs, but we know our bid for a renewed contract would have been more competitive if the municipalities had followed through with approved and budgeted upgrades for the facility and equipment over the years,” said Santiago. “Rather than supporting a non-profit social enterprise which employed local residents, the contract will now go to a for-profit business and materials will be shipped away increasing the carbon footprint.”
“We’re incredibly saddened by the decision which will mean the loss of jobs for our entire team,” said Laura Midan, Archway’s Director of Recycling and Operations. “Many of our employees have barriers to employment, and we were one of the largest supported employment providers in the area.”
Newcomers and people with physical, developmental, and mental disabilities found a welcoming and supportive work environment, that catered to their strengths. “So many of our staff are devastated by the news. They are not only losing their jobs, but they are also losing their community and sense of purpose,” said Midan.
“It’s perilous to consider that a longstanding local strategy to keep people meaningfully employed and housed in our communities will be terminated without alternative options for future employment,” said Santiago. “We’re already seeing increases in the number of unhoused individuals in Abbotsford, evidenced by the Point-in-Time Homeless Count which showed a 14.5% increase from 2023 to 2025, and this will only add to the problem.”
“We know that the contract decision is final, so we are turning our efforts to supporting our staff in finding new employment opportunities,” said Midan. “Many of the staff have shared that other employers would not give them a chance because of their barrier or disability. We are inviting every business and employer in the community to step up and support our dedicated team of loyal and hardworking individuals to secure their next place of employment.”
“The closure of Archway’s recycling program is a significant loss—not just of jobs, but of one of our community’s largest inclusive employers,” said Matt Dirks, Communitas CEO.
“For decades, it created meaningful work for people with disabilities, newcomers, and others facing barriers. At Communitas, we’ve seen how inclusive employment fosters connection, purpose, and contribution. As we move forward, we urge employers to step up and help create opportunities where everyone belongs. Inclusive employment strengthens not only individuals, but our economy and our shared humanity.”
Over the years, the Abbotsford Mission Recycling program won awards and continually innovated to accept more materials and divert materials from landfills.
“We’re proud of our commitment to our community, the environment and our staff over the last 40+ years,” said Midan. “We want to end well and help each one of our staff find new opportunities.”
Those who may have jobs available or have questions are asked to email inclusivejobs@archway.ca.
“Rather than supporting a non-profit social enterprise which employed local residents, the contract will now go to a for-profit business and materials will be shipped away increasing the carbon footprint”
“We are inviting every business and employer in the community to step up and support our dedicated team of loyal and hardworking individuals to secure their next place of employment.”
“We’re proud of our commitment to our community, the environment and our staff over the last 40+ years. We want to end well and help each one of our staff find new opportunities.”