In 2026, Emterra Group proudly celebrates 50 years of building innovative recycling and resource recovery solutions. 

From our beginnings as a small, entrepreneurial recycling operation to becoming an integrated North American leader in resource recovery, this milestone reflects five decades of innovation, resilience, and a long‑term commitment to environmental stewardship. 

Emmie at facility: Emmie Leung stands at a recycling facility beside piles of flattened cardboard and packaging.

A Legacy Built on Purpose

What began as a one-woman operation, collecting cardboard from back alleys has grown into a North American leader in resource recovery.

Founded in 1976 by Emmie Leung, Emterra Group was built on the belief that environmental responsibility and entrepreneurship can, and must, go hand in hand. That belief continues to guide our approach today.

Learn more about our Founder

"I came to Canada from Hong Kong as a young woman with a dream, strong work ethic, and skill for seeing opportunity where others didn’t. Fifty years later, I’m so proud of how far we’ve come and deeply grateful to the many dedicated employees, partners, and communities who helped shape the company’s story, and my own.”

- Emmie Leung, Founder and CEO

Timeline: 50 Years at a Glance

  • 1970s - The Beginning

    Emterra Group (originally International Paper Industries) is founded with a simple but ambitious idea: that waste can be transformed into valueable resources.

    Emmie moves from Winnipeg to Vancouver, to be closer to shipping ports and started the business by personally collecting scrap paper from local homes and businesses.

  • 1980s - Building the Foundation

    Investments in recycling operations and infrastructure help establish trusted service relationships with communities and partners.

    Emmie creates Canada's first 'blue bag' program in Vancouver to collect newspaper and begins taking on municipal contracts that includes garbage collection.

  • 1990s - Expanding Into New Markets

    Emterra Group broadens its footprint and service offerings.

    The company expands into the Ontario market and builds its first material recovery facility in Burlington.

  • 2000s - Scaling with Purpose

    Emterra Group strengthens its integrated approach across the recycling value chain and launches new solutions to support circular economy goals.

    Canadian Liquids Processors is acquired to specialize in product destruction and ethanol production.

    Emterra Tire Recycling is founded to collect and process end-of-life tires in Ontario.

  • 2010s - Innovation

    Emterra Group accelerates innovation by launching the first compressed natural gas (CNG) fleet operating in a cold climate.

    In 2018, the organization establishes its own Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) to support emerging Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations in Ontario.

  • 2020s - Leading the Next Chapter

    Emterra Group adapts to evolving EPR requirements while continuing to serve communities reliably.

    The organization continues to invest in its decarbonization journey, advancing low‑emissions solutions with the launch of its first EV pilot, electric mobile equipment, and the largest fleet of Mack LR Electric vehicles in North America.

People are the Heart of Our Story

Our story isn’t defined by facilities or fleets. It’s defined by people.

From the earliest days, our success has been shaped by dedicated teams who believe in the work, support one another, and pitch in to get the job done.

Each milestone has been shaped by individuals who share a commitment to doing the right thing, today and for future generations.

Rooted in Community

For five decades, Emterra Group has partnered with municipalities and businesses to build cleaner, more resilient communities.

From pioneering early recycling programs to modernizing material recovery systems and investing in lower‑emission solutions, our work has always been guided by practical innovation.

We’re proud of the role we play in helping communities thrive.

Learn more about Community Care™

Looking Ahead

While this anniversary is a moment to reflect, it is equally a moment to look forward.

We remain committed to using technology, data, and innovation to enable people and businesses to become stewards of the environment.

Our next chapter builds on the same values that have guided us for 50 years: integrity, adaptability, and entrepreneurial vision.

Our Commitment: The Next 50

  • Advancing Circular Economy Solutions

    Strengthening systems that keep materials in use and support resource recovery, producer responsibility, and tangible outcomes.

  • Investing in Technology and Innovation

    Continued investment in infrastructure, digital tools, and innovation to improve efficiency, transparency, and long‑term sustainability.

  • Supporting Canadian Communities

    As a Canadian‑founded, family‑owned company, we are committed to supporting local jobs, providing essential services, and building long‑term partnerships with communities across the country.

Thank You!

We extend our sincere thanks to our employees, partners, customers, and communities for being part of Emterra Group’s story. Together, we celebrate 50 years of environmental stewardship, and look forward to what’s next.