RCA Member Survey 2025
The Results are In!
The Recycling Council of Alberta (RCA) recently completed a membership survey, the first since the launch of its new strategic plan in 2024, RCA Vision 2030. The survey helps to understand how members experience the organization, where value is being created, and where opportunities exist to strengthen support for Alberta’s evolving circular economy. The results offer a clear picture: members continue to see strong value in the RCA community, while also identifying areas where the organization can sharpen its focus and expand its impact.
Overall satisfaction among members remains high, with more than 85% of respondents reporting they are satisfied or very satisfied with their experience. Members expressed strong trust in the RCA and confidence that the organization is moving in the right direction. Much of this positive sentiment is rooted in consistent, tangible benefits — particularly the learning opportunities, networking connections, and events that bring together professionals working across Alberta’s waste reduction and circular economy sectors. At the same time, the survey surfaced important feedback about ensuring programming remains relevant and accessible, and that policy direction and strategic priorities are communicated clearly.
Members continue to view events, networking, and practical tools as the core value of RCA membership. These offerings remain foundational strengths for the organization. However, some members noted that time constraints, travel requirements, and cost pressures can limit their ability to participate as frequently as they would like—highlighting opportunities for more flexible and accessible engagement.
The survey also explored members’ perspectives on the RCA’s evolving strategic direction. Members broadly support the organization’s increased focus on advancing the circular economy and trust the RCA to help lead this transition. What they are asking for now is clarity and practical guidance: translating circular economy concepts into concrete actions, resources, and examples that organizations can apply in their day-to-day work.
Policy and advocacy also emerged as an important expectation. Members are largely aligned on the major policy issues affecting waste reduction and resource recovery in Alberta and look to the RCA to help interpret policy developments and connect them to real-world implementation.
Importantly, members indicated that while the circular economy is widely understood and supported, much of their current work still sits within familiar areas such as recycling, material recovery, and waste reduction. Many expressed openness to moving further along the circularity spectrum but noted that practical guidance, tools, and case study examples will be critical to help them take the next steps.
These insights provide valuable direction for the RCA as it continues to evolve its programs, communications, and strategic initiatives to better support members and accelerate circular economy progress across Alberta.
The RCA will now work this input into its key plans for the year- the business plan and communication strategy – to look for ways to better engage with members and provide increased value.
On the question of a name change, results show no strong position either for or against a name change. So, for now, we will continue with the familiar and strong brand of the Recycling Council of Alberta (RCA) and we’ll look for ways to keep sharing the benefits of a circular economy.
Similarly, with regards to preference of conference location, we had mixed feedback with half of respondents saying they prefer a mountain location and the rest split between a major city, no preference or another location. At least until 2029, the RCA plans to hold its annual conference at one of Banff, Jasper or Lake Louise.
Thank you to all who took time to complete the survey- we are listening and we take your feedback seriously! Reach out with questions or comments at any time to info@recycle.ab.ca. We will continue to engage with you and aim to conduct annual member surveys as part of our improvement and evaluation processes.