May 2026 Letter from the Executive Director
S – Sector Engagement, Save the Date, Sponsorship, and Scanning Policies
Sector Engagement
April has been an energizing month of connection across the Recycling Council of Alberta (RCA) network. From member visits to events and conversations, it’s been a great reminder of the leadership, innovation, and commitment across our sector—and the important role each of you plays in advancing a more circular Alberta.
Aligned with the momentum of Earth Day, our team had the opportunity to connect with many of you through tours, workshops, presentations, and conversations across the province, including an Earth Day presentation at Amrize. We also connected with many members at the SWANA Northern Lights Chapter 2026 Conference, where I had the opportunity to moderate a circular economy session.
We spent time on the ground with members, including a visit to eCycle Solutions in Airdrie, where we learned that approximately 94–96% of materials entering their facility are diverted from landfill, and participation in a battery safety training session in Canmore, led by Call2Recycle. Additional touchpoints included with a tour of the Creative Reuse Calgary studio and attending a hands-on mattress recycling workshop. All of these connections help strengthen relationships and enable shared learning across our network.
Speaking of momentum, we are also pleased to welcome seven new members to RCA this month, along with a newly joined Board member. It’s great to see our community continuing to grow, and we look forward to working together. Also on Earth Day, and part of our ongoing work to advance our Vision 2030 strategy, we introduced Circular Economy 101. This resource highlights practical strategies, tools such as the R-Ladder, and Alberta-based examples, to illustrate how materials can be kept in circulation and out of landfills.
Also in April, we excitedly launched into the planning phase for the 2026 RCA Circular Economy Conference, taking place October 21–23 at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. With this year’s theme, Catch the Wave, we look forward to bringing the sector together to continue building momentum toward a circular, waste-free future.
Please note, we’ve already had strong interest in sponsorship for this year’s conference. If your organization is also interested, don’t miss out! We welcome you to get in touch with us at info@recycle.ab.ca to as soon as possible to explore opportunities to be part of this flagship event.
Scanning Policies
The RCA is also monitoring recent policy developments, including the introduction of Bill 31 – Red Tape Reduction Statutes Amendment Act, 2026. The proposed amendments aim to enhance the flexibility and responsiveness of recycling systems in Alberta, signaling positive momentum toward more adaptive and effective circular economy systems.
As we move into the new fiscal year, we look forward to continuing this work together—through sector engagement, coming together at our annual conference, and creating opportunities to support a more circular Alberta.
Thank you for your continued engagement and leadership.
—
Jennifer Koole
Executive Director
Recycling Council of Alberta
