June 2026 Letter from the Executive Director
A: Announcements, Advancements & Attendance
This month’s “A” edition of the Executive Director update highlights some exciting announcements shaping Alberta’s recycling and circular economy landscape, important advancements in infrastructure and policy, and continued opportunities to attend, connect and collaborate across the sector.
Announcements & Advancements
There was exciting news this month for Alberta’s circular economy community, with the announcement that the Circular Innovation Council will bring the Canadian Circular Economy Summit to Edmonton from June 2–4, 2027.
CCES 2027 will be led by the Circular Innovation Council and co-hosted by the City of Edmonton and Alberta EcoTrust. The RCA is excited to be named as a co-collaborator and we look forward to keeping members informed about opportunities to participate and attend as planning progresses. Hosting the event in Alberta for the first time is a significant opportunity to showcase the innovation, leadership, and momentum building across our province. Momentum around Alberta’s recycling system also continued this month with the announcement that WM and Circular Materials are planning a new pre-conditioning facility in Edmonton, expected to open in early 2027. The facility will feature advanced mechanical and optical sorting technologies designed to expand the range of recyclable materials accepted, improve material recovery, and enhance the quality of recycled commodities. Integrated sorting systems will allow equipment and technicians to work together more effectively, helping return high-quality recycled materials back to producers for use in new packaging and products.
On the policy side, the Government of Alberta also announced several important regulatory updates this month. Expiry dates for six recycling and stewardship regulations have been extended by five years, from June 30, 2026, to June 30, 2031, providing continuity and certainty as Alberta’s EPR systems continue to evolve. The regulations include:
- Beverage Container Recycling Regulation
- Designated Material Recycling and Management Regulation
- Electronics Designation Regulation
- Lubricating Oil Material Designation Regulation
- Paint and Paint Container Designation Regulation
- Tire Designation Regulation
In addition, amendments were announced to the Lubricating Oil Material Designation Regulation related to used oil stewardship and EPR systems. Changes include moving windshield washer fluid, diesel exhaust fluid, antifreeze, and their containers from the EPR system into the used oil stewardship program, as well as increasing eligible container sizes from 30 litres to 50 litres or less. Together, these amendments are intended to improve alignment and operational clarity across stewardship systems as implementation continues.
Attendance & Engagement
Alongside these announcements and policy developments, myself and Board members had the opportunity to participate in several important industry events this month, continuing conversations and strengthening relationships across Alberta’s circular economy ecosystem.
The Chemistry Industry Association of Canada’s Chemistry and Plastics Day brought together approximately 100 professionals from across the chemical and plastics value chain to discuss innovation, engagement, carbon pricing, the political landscape, and the future of plastics circularity in Canada. The conversations reflected both the complexity of the challenges ahead and the growing interest in collaborative solutions.
The RCA also attended In the Loop: A Social Innovation Mixer for Edmonton’s Circular Economy, hosted by The Connected Kitchen Project Foundation and presented by the Social Impact Innovation Hub. The event created space for collaboration and cross-sector dialogue, encouraging participants to exchange ideas, build new relationships, and strengthen Alberta’s growing circular economy network.
Agricultural Plastics Advancement
Progress also continues on Alberta’s agricultural plastics program as work advances from a successful pilot toward a permanent province-wide system. This month, the committee gathered for meetings and a tour of the Olds College Smart Farm Hub to further explore opportunities for program development, collaboration, and long-term system design.
We are also pleased to share that the ‘Alberta Ag-Plastic. Recycle It!’ pilot program has been nominated for a 2026 Alberta Emerald Award in the waste management category, with results to be announced on June 4.
As we move into June, there will continue to be many opportunities to connect and engage across the sector, including an upcoming webinar on June 25th hosted by the RCA in partnership with the Association of Plastics Recyclers and the Alberta Plastics Recycling Association. The topic is Stabilizing Recycled Plastics End Markets: Policy Tools, Market Signals, and Next Steps. We hope you will join us.
Keep your eye on your inbox in mid-June for the launch of Conference registration and hotel room block for the Catch the Wave Circular Economy Conference in Lake Louise October 21-23.
—
Jennifer Koole
Executive Director
Recycling Council of Alberta