January 2026 Letter from the Executive Director
Growing Forward Together: RCA in 2026
Reflecting on Two Years: Momentum, Members, and More to Come
As of this January, I am celebrating two full years as Executive Director of the Recycling Council of Alberta. What a meaningful two years it has been. At my first RCA conference as Executive Director, I shared an image that has stayed with me: babies grow wide before they grow tall. It captures the RCA’s journey well. We have been stretching, expanding, and building a strong foundation as we move forward with our Vision 2030 strategic plan.
What We Do Best
Over the past year, the RCA has continued to do what we do best: championing circular solutions that design out waste, bringing industry and government together to tackle complex challenges, and helping our members seize new opportunities in the circular economy.
Listening to Our Members
One of the most important steps we took this year was launching a membership engagement strategy. We worked with Incite, a respected Alberta firm, to sit down with members and hear directly from you. Your feedback reinforced many of our priorities, including strengthening our role as a central convener for Alberta’s circular economy, building greater literacy and understanding of circular solutions, and continuing the shift from a focus on recycling toward full circularity. That is the journey we are on together.
What Remains Constant
At the same time, some things about the RCA remain constant. We are one of the longest-standing associations for waste and recycling in Alberta, and we continue to host one of the largest industry gatherings in the province, welcoming 400 attendees at each of our last two conferences. We also remain committed to supporting meaningful initiatives such as Extended Producer Responsibility, while staying actively engaged in emerging provincial policy and program development, including work related to textiles, solar panel recycling and agricultural plastics.
Creating Space for Innovation
I am also excited to share that the Big Shot Circular Economy Pitch Night hosted by the RCA on November 19 was a tremendous success. The energy, ideas, and engagement made it clear that there is strong interest in creating space for innovation and bold thinking within our sector. We look forward to bringing this event back in 2026, with more details to be shared later in the year.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Looking ahead, I am excited about what is coming in 2026. In a few weeks, we will launch a member survey to ensure your voices continue to guide our priorities and direction.
On March 19, 2026, we will host RCA Explore Circularity Day in Calgary at the Safari Lodge at the Calgary Zoo. This one-day event will focus on textiles and their role in Alberta’s circular future, offering shared learning, practical insights, and thoughtful discussion. If you or your organization want to get involved, sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities are available!
The 2026 RCA Conference will be held October 21 to 23, 2026 at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise in Lake Louise, AB.
Gratitude for Leadership and Community
I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Board. This past year involved significant work, including bylaw updates, movement towards the transition to a skills-based board, and building strong working relationships with many new board members. It was a busy year, and one we can look back on with pride.
To our members, I am grateful for the opportunity to visit many of you at your facilities, projects, and communities throughout the year. Even when we are not able to connect in person, please know that the work you are doing on the ground continues to inspire us. It is a privilege to share your stories and help build the connections that strengthen this industry.
We cannot do this work without you. Together, we are building not only the future of the RCA, but a stronger and more circular Alberta.
Jennifer Koole
Executive Director
Recycling Council of Alberta
