In December 2008, the Recycling Council of Alberta (RCA) held a meeting to address the current dire market situation for recyclables. Invited stakeholders represented brokers/recyclers, municipalities and Alberta Environment. The group delivered the following key messages:

• Keep recycling

— Markets will fluctuate

— Recycling is justified on an environmental and public policy basis

• Material quality is critical to marketing
• Despite the downturn, there are still markets and material is still flowing
• Need to be patient and wait for markets to rebound
• When overall economy improves, so will recycling markets
• We need to learn lessons from this situation, as future downturns will happen
• Those recyclers with sound business plans will be fine
• The overseas market dependence creates increased volatility. More local manufacturers using recycled feedstock would provide increased stability.
• Green procurement pulls material into the markets. If you¹re not buying recycled, how do you expect to sell recycled material?
• Stewardship can provide program stability.

The full meeting notes and outcomes can be accessed from the RCA which is also interested in further discussion and ideas.

Contact the Recycling Council of Alberta at 403-843-6563 or info@recycle.ab.ca or visit www.recycle.ab.ca