Connector – June 2025 Letter from the Executive Director

Circular Progress in Motion: Policy, Plastics, Progress 

June is here, and so is Canadian Environment Week, a perfect time to reflect on the work we’re doing to protect our planet and advance the circular economy in Alberta. With World Environment Day (June 5), Canada’s Clean Air Day (June 4), and World Oceans Day (June 8) all taking place this week, it’s a good reminder that small actions and local leadership are key to global change.

May Highlights: Policy, Plastics, and Progress

In May, we received a formal response from Minister Rebecca Schulz to our April letter on the EPR regulation amendment. Continued engagement with government is key, and we appreciate the opportunity to keep this important conversation going. RCA will keep advocating for practical, consistent regulation that supports real progress.

I also attended Alberta Chemistry and Plastics Day, hosted by the Chemistry Industry Association of Canada. The circularity of plastics remains an urgent, local, and global challenge. Events like this help move the conversation forward by bringing industry, regulators and environmental leaders to the same table.

Another highlight was celebrating 30 years of the Alberta Beverage Container Recycling Corporation (ABCRC). Since 1995, they’ve built and maintained the largest beverage container collection system in Canada. It was a great opportunity to recognize their leadership and long-standing contribution to Alberta’s circular economy. 

Signs of Progress 

New data from Statistics Canada shows Alberta diverted nearly 1 million tonnes of material from landfill in 2023. That’s a 3.5 percent increase over 2022. These numbers reflect the efforts of municipalities, processors, businesses, and everyday Albertans. Together, we are moving the needle.

We also helped spread the word during International Compost Awareness Week, held May 4 to 10. Organics recovery continues to be one of the most impactful ways to cut waste and emissions. Thanks to everyone who helped highlight this work.

RCA President Jeannie Bertrand joined a panel at the Alberta Ecotrust Foundation’s Environmental Gathering. The session, titled Closing the Loop: From Circular Policies to Business Opportunities, focused on how to translate strategy into action. Thank you to Alberta Ecotrust for bringing people together to talk solutions.

Coming Up in June 

I’ll be speaking at the SWANA Northern Lights Chapter Conference in Winnipeg from June 11 to 13. My presentation, The Playbook for Circularity, will introduce the R-Ladder tool for prioritizing material management activities in a circular economy. 

On June 20, I’ll also be joining a panel at the Edmonton Sustainable Fashion Show. We’ll be exploring how circular design and material recovery can shape the future of fashion and textiles — themes we’ll carry into next year’s Explore Circularity Day.

Sponsor the 2025 RCA Conference

We’re still welcoming sponsors for this year’s conference. There are some great opportunities available — including the photo booth, bus transportation options, refreshment breaks, our popular workshops, and so much more! If you’re interested in supporting Alberta’s circular economy community and showcasing your organization’s leadership, we’d love to connect. 

Thank you for being part of this community and for continuing to lead the way. Whether you’re recovering materials, running a program, designing policy or raising awareness, your work matters. 

Jennifer Koole 
Executive Director 
Recycling Council of Alberta