October 2025 Letter from the Executive Director 

Connector October 2025

Circular Economy Month, Conference & Community 

This month’s Connector is brought to you by the letter C for Circular Economy Month, Conference, and Community. October is always a highlight at the RCA, with our annual conference landing right in the middle of Circular Economy Month. Reflecting on the weeks just past, I joined provincial conversations on agricultural plastics and solar panels, prepared for #RCA2025 in Jasper, presented at circular events, and toured member facilities. Momentum is building as we head into our biggest event of the year.

Circular Economy Month 
October is Circular Economy Month and while every month is circular economy month for us, we are proud to celebrate alongside partners across Canada. This year we are hosting our annual Circular Economy conference and new Circular Marketplace. 

We have some exciting circular resources to share: 

  • A workshop and webinar on Engaging Diverse Communities in the Circular Economy. The recording of the free webinar is now available to watch and share. 
  • The RCA Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Hub, connecting our 330+ members with Alberta post-secondary institutions to help access student talent for internships, co-ops, mentorships, applied research, and more. A win for members, institutions, and students alike. 

Conference 
Conference prep is in the final stretch as we get ready for #RCA2025. On October 22, morning workshops will feature some of the best hands-on circular learning sessions of the year. I’m really proud of the program and speakers we’ve lined up, covering everything from textiles and packaging to organics, EPR, innovation, and more. Other highlights include the ever favourite upcycled costume contest with a Shoot for the Stars theme, the circular marketplace, an oxygen bar, a photo booth, and—new this year for Thursday’s banquet entertainment—karaoke and a DJ where YOU get to be the star! 

Community 
Connecting with members is one of my favourite parts of my job. This month, I toured the Northstar Clean Technologies facility in Calgary, where shingles are transformed into their core components—fibreglass, aggregate, and asphalt. At full capacity, the plant will process 150 tonnes per day, creating a truly circular loop. Thank you, Thani, for the insightful tour. 

I also had the opportunity to speak at Science in the Cinema, hosted by the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment, following the screening of Plastic People. It sparked a powerful conversation about plastics, health, and the everyday choices that shape the future we want. 

To round out the month, I joined a panel at the Alberta Depot Conference, exploring the future of bottle depots and Alberta’s transition toward a more circular system. 

Thank you for being part of the advancement of a circular economy. Whether you are presenting, sponsoring, or suiting up for the banquet costume contest, your involvement is what makes our community thrive. I look forward to celebrating Circular Economy Month with you in Jasper. 

Jennifer Koole 
Executive Director 
Recycling Council of Alberta