Connector – September 2025 Letter from the Executive Director
Advocacy, Awareness & Agents of Change
This month’s Connector is brought to you by the letter A—for Advocacy, Awareness, and being an Agent of Change. In August, I joined conversations with the province on agricultural plastics and solar panels, wrapped up a Jasper site visit to prepare for the #RCA2025 Circular Economy Conference, and connected with innovators and partners across Alberta and beyond. Momentum is building as we head into fall.
Awareness
Conference prep is in full swing. Early-bird registration closes September 12. Morning workshops on October 22 will feature some of the best circular learning sessions of the year, and our upcycled banquet costume tradition returns with a Shoot for the Stars theme—time to get creative!
We’re also approaching the September 12 deadline for Rs of Excellence Award nominations. These awards celebrate leaders across Alberta who are advancing the circular economy in business, education, politics, and community. Nominate today: 2025 Rs of Excellence Awards.
Agent of Change
Looking ahead, I’ll be speaking at Science in the Cinema in Calgary on September 17 about microplastics and their impacts, the Alberta Depot Association 23rd Industry Conference on September 22, and in November we’ll launch a new Circular Business Pitch Event—Big Shot—to showcase emerging ideas in Alberta’s circular economy.
On September 29, we’ll host a two-part event focused on engaging culturally and linguistically diverse communities in circular initiatives. The morning workshop will offer practical tools and strategies for municipalities and organizations looking to empower diverse communities in recycling and other circular activities, while the free webinar will highlight inspiring case studies from Alberta and beyond.
August also included a visit to New West Gypsum Recycling in BC, where drywall is being recovered and reused at scale. They also operate a facility in Calgary and are a proud Silver Sponsor of this year’s conference.
Advocacy
A couple of quick notes: CSA has released a national standard for safely washing reusable packaging, and the Government of Alberta is seeking feedback on agricultural plastics and solar panel recycling and reuse. Ready to add your voice? Details are in this Connector.
At the international level, the INC 5.2 negotiations in Geneva highlighted ongoing divisions over whether the global plastics treaty should include binding limits on plastic production or focus primarily on waste management solutions like recycling. Canada supported a comprehensive, science-based approach addressing the full lifecycle of plastics, emphasizing upstream measures alongside improved recycling and circular economy strategies. While stronger recycling systems are essential, the negotiations highlighted the need for upstream commitments to truly reduce plastic pollution at scale.
Thank you for helping move this work forward. Fall promises to be exciting, and I look forward to seeing many of you in Jasper.
More to come,
Jennifer Koole
Executive Director
Recycling Council of Alberta
