Meet your RCA Directors: A Monthly Feature
The Recycling Council of Alberta (RCA) is an agent of change – promoting, facilitating, and advocating for a Circular Economy in Alberta through waste reduction and resource conservation. It is an exciting time for the RCA as a grassroots organization with an active and respected voice. Our work to reduce waste and advance the broader benefits of a circular economy is making waves in Alberta and across the country.
To name a few recent successes, the RCA helped the government of Alberta introduce Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation, launched circular economy initiatives in Albertan communities with the Circular Communities project, and created a guide as an introduction to on-farm composting for farmers, ranchers and landowners.
These successes are possible thanks to our Board of Directors who each bring a unique background and skillset to our organization. Together, these industry experts help position the RCA as one of Alberta’s strongest voices helping to advance a Circular Economy.
Each month, we will feature board members in our Connector newsletter, showcasing their expertise, experience, and passions. We are proud to introduce you to Corey Popick and Corey Saban, two new additions to our Board of Directors for 2022.
Corey Popick – Director
Corey has been working with solid waste, utilities, private industry, and municipal governments for over 10 years. He has operated both municipally and privately-owned landfills in Alberta that have included static aerated compost systems, material hauling, collections, and waste diversion systems. In addition to solid waste, he has extensive experience in water and wastewater treatment and distribution systems, environmental management, remediation, and environmental assessments for both municipal and industrial clients. Corey is currently the Chief Operating Officer for Claystone Waste Ltd, which oversees the handling and placement of over 1 million tonnes of material annually. Prior to working with Claystone, he was the Director of Environmental Utilities for the Town of Redcliff and manager of the Redcliff Cypress Regional Landfill, and also spent a number of years with Banner Environmental Engineering Consultants out of Black Diamond.
Corey is a registered Professional Biologist, and holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Saskatchewan.
When Corey is not working, he is actively enjoying the great outdoors with his family.
What do you enjoy the most about being an RCA Board Member?
Being able to work with an exceptional group of individuals on expanding environmental protections that work toward a more circular economy while bearing in mind that extreme changes could have an economic hit on every Albertan.
What change/impact are you looking forward to making with the RCA?
Advancing circular economy programs and initiatives that are both achievable and can be realistically implemented from both a household and municipal perspective.
What is your biggest “pet peeve” in the world of waste? What keeps you up at night?
The lack of public understanding of the solid waste industry and the diversion systems that are currently in place.
What is your best day-to-day waste reduction hack/tip?
Over 50% of your waste can be separated and turned into compost. Sort and separate your organics from your general garbage and you’ll reduce the volume of material sent for disposal and contribute to a reduction in GHG generation.
What is your favourite Alberta pastime?
Enjoying the endless outdoor activities in the great outdoors.
What does a perfect Saturday look like for you?
Getting outside with my wife and kids and enjoying the outdoors while topping it off with a delicious BBQ dinner.
Corey Saban – Director
Corey Saban is an industry connector for both people and business opportunities. He intuitively sees the opportunity to bring people and organizations together to create a connection that leads to strong working relationships. Corey is a humbled leader who listens first and provides personal experience that inspires action. He understands business and loves developing strategy to deliver results to partners and shareholders.
Currently, as Founder and CEO at [Re] Waste, a vertically integrated recycled plastic processing and manufacturing company, Corey oversees the business development and investor relations. In a short amount of time and during COVID-19, he has moved the company from his garage to a facility in Edmonton and is currently expanding into Ontario. Corey is spearheading the ability for businesses to participate in a closed loop plastic program that aligns with their corporate social responsibility initiatives.
Previously, Corey led operations and business development as Vice President for a local concrete company with 40+ years of experience. During this time, Corey restructured operations personnel, refined the estimating process to secure profitable work and focused on the resources performing work to maximize employees’ time on jobsites. This resulted in increased revenues from the previous year while reducing the direct expenses. Earlier he rose through the ranks of Clark Builders, transitioning from operations to estimating which provided a diverse business experience.
Mr. Saban received his Civil Engineering Technology Diploma from NAIT and is a Certified Engineering Technologist (CET) through ASET. Corey has previous board experience and has founded multiple startup businesses as well as worked at medium and large business that provides a thorough business background.
What do you enjoy the most about being an RCA Board Member?
Developing new relationships and contributing to a group that impacts more than myself and business.
What change/impact are you looking forward to making with the RCA?
I am excited for the opportunity to bring a diverse perspective to the RCA where I am focused in the small business sector and creating opportunities to repurpose plastic “waste.”
What is your biggest “pet peeve” in the world of waste?
The amount of plastic that is sent to landfills.
What keeps you up at night?
Figuring out how to efficiently capture plastic and divert it from landfills.
What is your best day-to-day waste reduction hack/tip?
Focusing on supporting local and seeing which businesses have waste initiatives to ensure minimal waste ending up in landfills.
What is your favourite Alberta pastime?
Going to Pigeon Lake with my family. My wife and I have three young kids ages 6, 4 and 2.
What does a perfect Saturday look like for you?
Wake up early before the rest of my family, work until the kids wake up, cuddle the kids on the couch when they wake up, have breakfast with my family, do a Peloton Saturday morning bootcamp with my wife, do an activity with the kids in the afternoon, family supper and then read before bed!