August 2026: Executive Director Letter

D: Driving Change, Developing Partnerships, Delivering Results, and Demonstrating Impact

Each month I look to the alphabet to anchor my update, and August brings us to the letter D. It’s an appropriate reflection of the work happening across the Recycling Council of Alberta as we continue driving change, developing partnerships, delivering results, and demonstrating impact for our members and Alberta’s circular economy.

Driving Change

July provided many opportunities to engage with partners across government, industry, agriculture, and the clean technology sector during the Calgary Stampede.

I had the opportunity to meet with Alberta’s Minister of Environment and Protected Areas, where Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) remained an important topic of discussion, and to connect with farmers, ranchers, and rural municipalities about Alberta’s agricultural plastics recycling pilot.

Building on those conversations, RCA also submitted a collaborative letter to Premier Danielle Smith and Minister of Environment and Protected Areas Grant Hunter reaffirming our support for Alberta’s Extended Producer Responsibility framework. Developed with input from our Board and members, the letter reflects RCA’s commitment to practical, evidence-based solutions that strengthen Alberta’s circular economy.

It was also encouraging to speak with representatives from the banking and clean technology sectors who are increasingly recognizing how circular economy principles can create environmental, social, and economic value.

These conversations are more than networking opportunities—they help ensure our members’ perspectives inform the discussions and decisions shaping Alberta’s circular economy.

And yes, we even enjoyed mini donuts served in refillable containers. Sometimes the simplest ideas are the best reminders that circular thinking can become part of everyday life.

Developing Partnerships

Much of RCA’s work happens behind the scenes, building relationships and supporting members in ways that aren’t always visible.

Our Circular Economy Community Engagement (CECE) group continues to bring together engagement professionals from across Alberta to exchange ideas, share resources, and coordinate best practices. One current priority is supporting Circular Materials’ public education efforts through consistent messaging as Alberta’s EPR system continues to evolve.

We also had the opportunity to support Strathcona County as it advanced its Industrial, Commercial and Institutional (ICI) Waste Bylaw. Sharing practical knowledge with municipalities is one way RCA helps strengthen local capacity while advancing waste diversion and circular economy outcomes across the province.

These partnerships are central to our role as a convener, creating opportunities for collaboration that benefit members, communities, and Alberta’s circular economy as a whole.

Delivering Results

Planning continues for our Catch the Wave Circular Economy Conference, taking place October 21–23 in Lake Louise.

Our team has been busy developing an engaging program featuring inspiring keynote speakers, interactive workshops, meaningful networking opportunities, and technical tours—including a new visit to Canmore Laundry to showcase circular practices within commercial textile operations.

Beyond this year’s conference, we’re also working with partners from across Canada on planning the 2027 Canadian Circular Economy Summit, helping position Alberta as a leader in national conversations around circular economy policy, innovation, and collaboration.

These initiatives reflect RCA’s commitment to delivering practical learning opportunities, meaningful connections, and valuable resources that help our members succeed.

Demonstrating Impact

As we look ahead, there are many ways to get involved.

Rs of Excellence Award nominations remain open until September 11, and I encourage you to recognize the individuals, businesses, organizations, educators, and community leaders making a difference in Alberta’s circular economy.

Conference registration continues to gain momentum, with sponsorship, exhibitor, and Circular Marketplace opportunities still available for organizations looking to showcase their leadership and innovative circular solutions.

I’d also like to extend a warm welcome to our newest RCA members, including Cerebral Palsy Alberta (CPAA) and Chop Value. We look forward to working alongside you as we continue strengthening Alberta’s circular economy community.

As I often reflect, one of the most important questions we ask ourselves is how RCA can create the greatest value for our members. Sometimes that means bringing people together to share ideas. Other times it means supporting municipalities, strengthening partnerships, advocating for practical solutions, or creating opportunities for learning and collaboration.

While much of this work happens behind the scenes, it demonstrates the collective impact we can achieve together. Every conversation, partnership, and initiative helps advance Alberta’s Vision 2030 for a more circular economy while ensuring we’re good stewards of the trust and investment our members and sponsors place in RCA.

Thank you for your continued support, participation, and collaboration. Together, we’re driving change and building a stronger circular economy for Alberta.

—
 Jennifer Koole
 Executive Director
 Recycling Council of Alberta