February 2026 Letter from the Executive Director
Policy, Progress, and Practical Conversations
January was a strong and steady start to the year for the Recycling Council of Alberta.
It was a month shaped by thoughtful conversations, important policy developments, and continued interest in how circular economy principles translate into practical action. From national decisions on plastics to local and cross-sector discussions, we saw momentum building around the shared question of how we move from ideas to implementation. As we move into February, I want to highlight a few key moments from January and share what is coming next.
Listening to Our Members
RCA is currently participating in several municipal forums with focused discussion happening on the rollout of EPR in Alberta and what it may mean for the recycling system. What we’ve heard so far includes concerns about the potential impacts on recycling facility operations and collection systems, the quality of recyclable commodities, messaging, and ultimately, public confidence in recycling across the province.
RCA is monitoring these developments closely and working to develop a coordinated approach that helps bring sector perspectives forward in a constructive and informed way.
In the coming weeks, we will be sharing opportunities for members to contribute insights and experience to help shape this work.
Further, in January, we shared a short, anonymous member survey to better understand what is working well, where there are gaps, and what should be prioritized in the year ahead. The survey takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes to complete and is open until February 6.
As a thank you, respondents will be entered to win a free ticket to Explore Circularity Day in Calgary on March 19. Survey details were sent by email, and we encourage members to check their inboxes or spam folders if they have not received them yet.
Your feedback plays an important role in shaping our programming, advocacy, and member services, and we appreciate you taking the time to share your perspective.
Plastics Policy and the Role of Circularity
In January, the Federal Court of Appeal upheld its decision to list plastic manufactured items as a “toxic substance” under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. This ruling affirms the federal government’s authority to regulate plastic products and recognizes the potential risks posed by plastics to human health and the environment.
For the Recycling Council of Alberta, this decision reinforces the importance of advancing circularity across all materials, including plastics. Regulation, innovation, and effective reduction, reuse, and recycling systems all play a role in reducing environmental harm while supporting a resilient circular economy.
Environment and Climate Change Canada is also currently seeking comments on proposed amendments to the Single-use Plastics Prohibition Regulations. These amendments would allow the export of six categories of single-use plastics that were previously prohibited. The consultation is open until February 28, 2026, and members are encouraged to review the proposal and share their feedback.
Sharing Perspectives Across Sectors
January included several opportunities to engage in learning and dialogue beyond our immediate network.
I was pleased to join Season 2 of the Gooder Stories podcast to discuss how the RCA approaches communicating complex environmental issues in a clear, accessible, and evidence-based way.
We were also grateful to the Canadian Prairie and Northern Section of the Air and Waste Management Association for the invitation to speak at their Calgary luncheon. The discussion focused on a question we hear more often: Is the circular economy the next evolution of sustainability? With both in-person and online participants, the conversation quickly moved into how circularity is measured and how emissions and carbon considerations fit into evolving frameworks.
Looking Ahead
As we move through February, we are preparing for Explore Circularity Day on March 19. We look forward to continuing to create space for practical learning, thoughtful discussion, and connection across Alberta’s circular economy community.
March 18 ECD Bonus Event (as part of a broader community-focused textiles day): The day before ECD, join us for a special screening of Buy Now: The Shopping Conspiracy, followed by a keynote panel and live Q&A with Maren Costa.
Thank you, as always, for your engagement and for the important work you are doing across the province.
Jennifer Koole
Executive Director
Recycling Council of Alberta
