Most speaker presentations are downloadable in pdf format:
*no presentation available
- WEDNESDAY, October 18
- THURSDAY, October 19
- FRIDAY, October 20
WEDNESDAY, October 18
- 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Conference Registration / Refreshments
in Temple Foyer
Sponsored by Viably
This conference is choosing 100% green electricity with Bullfrog Power
- 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
One does not simply introduce EPR into Alberta - Workshop
in Temple AB Room
Hear about Alberta’s EPR bylaws and registration process from the Alberta Recycling Management Authority (ARMA), the designated oversight body for EPR in the province, and from Producers regarding their comprehensive plans to deliver EPR in Alberta.
Moderator: Jason London (City of Calgary)
- AEPA (Jaclyn Schmidt)
- Overview of Alberta’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Framework
- ARMA (Ed Gugenheimer and Gabrielle Betts)
- EPR Oversight
- Review of bylaws
- Registration process (Tool Kit)
- Producers – What To Expect Post-Registration
Sponsored by Circular Materials and Product Care
- AEPA (Jaclyn Schmidt)
- 10:30 am - 2:30 pm
Exhibit Set-up
in Temple Foyer
- 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Journey to the Elven Shire - Nature Walk by the Lake – led by Peter Duck
meet in Temple Foyer
Calling all adventurers seeking a taste of Middle-earth’s majesty! Need some fresh air, just like the hobbits leaving the Shire? Join a local naturalist and resource recovery specialist on a journey through the enchanting Chateau Lake Louise surroundings. Stretch your legs, as if you were walking to Mount Doom, and bask in the beauty of nature that even elves would envy.
Sponsored by sonnevera international corp.
- 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
The Ringbearer's Journey - An Environmental Tour of Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
meet in Temple Foyer
***tour is full***
Join Chateau Lake Louise management on a tour that outlines the environmental programs integral to the hotel. A behind the scenes look at how your Lake Louise stay is minimizing environmental impacts.
Sponsored by Strathcona County
- 2:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Free Fair of Dale - Exhibit Viewing & Afternoon Tea
in Temple Foyer
Sponsored by Integrity Waste Solutions
- 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
PLENARY SESSION: Golden Treasure: A Discussion on Packaging Design
in Temple AB Room
Gain invaluable insights from leading experts as they discuss the far-reaching consequences of packaging as a significant waste contributor and how packaging is being targeted through programming options. Discover the untapped potential to both reduce and reuse packaging for maximum benefit and emerging initiatives that are successfully addressing this major source of waste.
Moderator: Karen Wirsig (Environmental Defence)
- Councillor Pete Fry (City of Vancouver/NZWC) – Reuse in Canada Landscape Scan: Understanding Opportunities to Advance Reuse
- Tessa Vlaanderen (Dillon Consulting) – The Role of Packaging Reuse in Shaping Canada’s Circular Plastics Economy
- Tracey Spack (ECCC) – P2 Approach for Plastic Food Packaging
- Amélie Côté (Équiterre) – Solutions to reduce the amount of packaging used by Canadian food retailers
Sponsored by Rehrig Pacific Company
- 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
RCA AGM
in Temple C Room
Visit https://recycle.ab.ca/agm-2023/ to view the agenda, list of candidates, and RCA’s Annual Report.
Refreshments sponsored by BCMB
- 7:00 pm - 11:00 pm
A Hobbit Party Reception
in Temple Foyer & Ballroom
Sponsored by Merlin Plastics
Reception drinks sponsored by CasCell Trading Group Inc.
Networking Activities sponsored by Glover International Trucks, Dennis Eagle North America and NTM North America
- 11:00 pm - 1:00 am
Hospitality Suite
in Beehive Trail Room
Sponsored by JTL Squared Consulting Inc.
THURSDAY, October 19
- 7:45 am - 8:15 am
Exhibit Viewing Over Elvish Lembas Bread
in Temple Foyer
Sponsored by City of Lethbridge
- 8:15 am - 8:45 am
Conference Opening and Welcome
in Temple Ballroom
- Elder Pablo Russell – Opening Prayer / Ceremony
- Patrick Jones – Director of Sustainability at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
- Jeannie Bertrand – RCA President
Sponsored by Alberta Environment and Protected Areas and Alberta Innovates
- 8:45 am - 10:30 am
PLENARY SESSION: Circularity in the Shire
in Temple Ballroom
Hear from municipal leaders about the pivotal role municipalities play in leading the transition to a Circular Economy. This session will delve into the circular initiatives within these communities, highlighting that municipalities, being in close proximity to people and businesses are more nimble than higher-level governments, and have a unique opportunity to spearhead initiatives and learn from one another.
Moderator: John Cardella (Nespresso Canada)
- Marcos Badra (City of Richmond) – Circularity in Action: The Richmond Journey
- Michael Hancharyk (City of Leduc) – City of Leduc: Using Artificial Intelligence to Reduce Contamination
- Jinny Toffelmire (Town of Okotoks) – Repair Cafes
- Erin Wildeboer (Strathcona County) – Hodge Podge Lodge
- Alison Abbink (City of Edmonton) – Single-Use Item Reduction Bylaws
Sponsored by Nespresso Canada
- 10:30 am - 11:00 am
Exhibit Viewing & Second Breakfast
in Temple Foyer
Sponsored by Claystone Waste Ltd.
- 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
KEYNOTE: Jenn Harper (Cheekbone Beauty)
in Temple Ballroom
Jennifer Harper has been making a name for herself in the beauty industry for several years but has been gaining popularity quickly after being on the hit CBC show, Dragons Den. Cheekbone Beauty is helping Indigenous youth see themselves in a beauty brand.
Throughout her life, Jenn struggled to accept her Indigenous roots. She was estranged from her Indigenous family for much of her child and adult life. After learning about her grandmother’s experience in residential schools, she understood how her family was affected by generational trauma. This drove her to understand and overcome her own struggle with alcoholism. She reunited with her family including her brother B. J. and began to learn about and explore her Indigenous family history and culture.
During the development of Cheekbone Beauty, Jenn researched the current makeup landscape as well as charities that are helping close the educational funding gap that exists between Indigenous and non-Indigenous students.Moderator: Denis Jubinville (City of Edmonton)
Sponsored by City of Edmonton
- 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
More Lembas Bread - Lunch
in Victoria Ballroom
Sponsored by The City of Calgary
- 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
CONCURRENT SESSION: One Cannot Just Say They Are Circular
in Temple AB Room
Unlocking the success and transparency of circular programs hinges on effective measurement. Join program leaders as they emphasize the criticality of measuring progress, with the adage in mind: “You can’t manage what you can’t measure.” Discover valuable insights on obtaining reliable data and, more importantly, how to leverage this data for informed decision-making.
Moderator: Guy West (ABCRC)
- Melissa Gorrie (Ecojustice / Waste Free Edmonton) – Legal Framework With Accountability Mechanisms
- Catherine Tays (CSA Group) – Standardizing Recycling in Canada: Definitions, Measuring, and Reporting
- Sébastien Harvey (Entropic) – Leveraging Data to Drive Sustainable Practices
- Vicente Frias (Town of Banff) – Municipal Waste Dashboard
- Lori Koebel (ABCRC) – Encompassing ESG in reporting
Sponsored by Quantum Lifecycle Partners
- 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
CONCURRENT SESSION: Learning from Treebeard - Innovation in First Nations
in Temple C Room
At the heart of reconciliation lies the invaluable opportunity to learn from the First Nations community. Their wisdom offers profound insights into cultivating a stronger bond with nature. Moreover, there are immense opportunities for collaboration with the First Nations community as we continue our journey towards circularity, together creating a more sustainable and inclusive future.
Moderator: Andrea Chmielinski (Reverse Logistics Group)
- Kate Nelson (Indigenous Services Canada) – Reconciliation from Trash
- Lucinda Phillips (IZWTAG)
- Jule Asterisk (Regional Environmental Action Committee) – Plastics Remanufacture Project
- Glyn Lewis (Renewal Home Development)
Sponsored by Reverse Logistics Group
- 3:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Exhibit Viewing & Afternoon Tea
in Temple Foyer
Sponsored by EFS Plastics
- 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
CONCURRENT SESSION: Fellowship of the Ring - Embracing the Circular Economy
in Temple AB Room
Gain valuable knowledge from industry experts as they share their experiences in embracing the Circular Economy within their respective sectors, such as finance and insurance, and discover practical insights on how to effectively integrate the circular principles into broader society.
Moderator: Isabelle Faucher (Carton Council of Canada)
- Karen Flamand and Steve Nitschke (Cooperators Group Limited)
- Ross Huartt (Chair of EcoClaim and President & CEO of MBC Group) and Jodi Scarlett (CEO of EcoClaim) – Sustainability in the Insurance Industry
- Andréanne Dandeneau and Jodi Benson (Anne Mulaire Designs)
- Mortimer Capriles (Goodwill) – Reuse Pilot Project and Repair for Good Program
Sponsored by Carton Council of Canada
- 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
CONCURRENT SESSION: Forged in the Fire of Mount Doom
in Temple C Room
Embracing renewable energy is pivotal in achieving climate change goals, and Alberta holds immense potential in this area. However, it is crucial to be mindful of unintended consequences that may arise within the realm of renewables. Gain insights from experts on effectively integrating zero waste principles into renewable developments, ensuring a sustainable and responsible approach to our energy future.
Moderator: Sheri Praski (SWANA Northern Lights Chapter)
- Vittoria Bellissimo (Canadian Renewable Energy Association)
- Amanda Cotton (Minnesota Pollution Control Agency) – Minnesota Stakeholder Process – End of Life Options for Solar
Sponsored by Liberty Tire Recycling
- 6:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Feast of Starlight Reception
in Temple Foyer
Sponsored by Skyline Energy
- 7:00 pm - 11:45 pm
PO-TA-TOES Banquet
in Temple Ballroom
Banquet sponsored by ABCRC
Make sure to dress according to our conference theme by channeling your inner Lord of the Rings. In the spirit of being circular, please consider incorporating reuse/recycling into your ‘wear’. More info.
MC: Donovan Workun
Rs of Excellence Awards
Entertainment: Supersonic Hearts
Entertainment sponsored by Cascades Canada ULC
Red Wine sponsored by CESA
White Wine sponsored by New West Gypsum Recycling Inc.
- 11:45 pm - 2:00 am
Hospitality Suite
in Beehive Trail Room
Sponsored by JTL Squared Consulting Inc.
FRIDAY, October 20
- 8:00 am - 9:00 am
Exhibit Viewing & Breakfast
in Temple Foyer
Sponsored by Recycling Product News
- 9:00 am - 10:30 am
PLENARY SESSION: Scaling Mount Doom - Lightning Talks
in Temple Ballroom
Prepare for a session where visionary leaders present their innovative projects in a format akin to TED Talks. Immerse yourself in the insights of these trailblazers as they explore high-level ideas, key actions, and the systemic changes required to pave the way for a thriving Circular Economy.
Moderator: Mikhael Metauro (Cascades)
- Dr. Adetoyese (Toye) Oyedun (NAIT) – Plastics Research in Action
- Anna Rajkovic (NOVA Chemicals)
- Dr. Rafiq Ahmad (University of Alberta / Eco Additiva) – Plastic Recycling With Eco Additiva: A Novel 3D Printing Technology
- John MacInnes (Earthware)
- Jaime White (Loop Resource)
- Dayton Skei (EverGen Infrastructure Corp.)
- Omid McDonald (Dairy Distillery) – Vodkow
- Briggs Gibbins (Last Shot Apparel)
Sponsored by TOMRA Canada Inc.
- 10:30 am - 11:00 am
Exhibit Viewing & Elevenses
in Temple Foyer
Sponsored by GFL Environmental Inc.
- 11:00 am - 12:15 pm
PLENARY SESSION: May All Waste be Banished to Mordor - Vision for the Future
in Temple AB Room
Shift your perspective to the future and draw inspiration from these esteemed thought leaders. Building on the insights gathered throughout the conference, they will share their high-level ideas, igniting your imagination and empowering you to embrace a more circular system as you take away valuable inspiration.
Moderator: Brent Boss (Skyline Bio-En)
- Alexandra Mills (Town of Canmore) – CRD Best Practices
- Tracey Spack (ECCC)
- Sarah Edwards (Eunomia) – 2040 Vision for a Sustainable Future requires radical rethink on EU materials and waste policy
- Adrian Vannahme (Reclay StewardEdge) – EU Green Deal
Sponsored by Tetra Tech Canada Inc.
- 12:15 pm - 1:30 pm
Elvish Lembas Bread WORKING LUNCH
in Temple Foyer & Ballroom
Sponsored by Alberta Recycling Management Authority