Building Capacity for Alberta’s EPR Transition: Inside RCA’s Circular Economy Community Educators Group

The Circular Economy Community Engagement (CECE) Group exists to facilitate collaboration and information sharing among RCA members to advance circular economy literacy and community-level action across Alberta. It brings together people and organizations working directly with communities across Alberta to share resources, discuss common challenges and strengthen public-facing education around recycling, waste reduction and the circular economy. Approximately 70 people are part of the group, representing municipalities and other organizations with direct community engagement roles. The RCA is excited to have the group is co-facilitated by Holly Hastings from the City of Edmonton and Erin Wildeboer from Strathcona County, who help guide conversations and connections across the network.

Working Together Through the EPR Transition

Right now, Alberta’s transition to EPR is a key priority for CECE. The group is working collaboratively and closely with Circular Materials, creating an important two-way exchange between the people supporting the new recycling system and those helping communities understand the changes.

Current discussions are focused on key messages around:

• Trust in the system — helping residents understand what happens to their materials, how the system is overseen and how it can support access to new markets.
• The cost of the system — including anticipated savings in 2027.
• Environmental benefits — explaining how the new system can support better environmental outcomes.
• Technical improvements — including new processing technologies, single-stream collection and additional accepted materials.
• Contamination — identifying common problem materials and helping residents understand the importance of putting the right materials in the right stream.

A Growing Network for Community Educators

Beyond the immediate EPR transition, CECE represents something broader. Community educators are often among the first people residents turn to when they have questions about recycling, waste and changing programs. CECE creates a space to share what is working, identify common issues and learn from one another rather than working through those challenges in isolation.

As Alberta’s circular economy continues to evolve, the need for strong communication and community engagement will only grow. CECE provides an opportunity for the people doing that work to build relationships, share knowledge and help shape the resources their communities need.

Join the Conversation

CECE is geared towards people whose work involves direct community education and engagement around recycling, waste reduction and the circular economy.

If your organization works directly with residents and communities, CECE offers an opportunity to connect with others doing similar work, share practical knowledge and stay engaged in conversations around Alberta’s evolving recycling system. You don’t have to navigate these changes alone.Interested in joining the Circular Economy Community Educators group? Contact RCA to learn more and get involved.