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About Us

Changing Your Perspective On Waste For Over 30 Years

Our Story

Since 1990 our mission has been to help organizations reach their sustainability goals by diverting more waste from landfill.

We help to determine the product that’s right for your needs and assist in the development of a consistent recycling program throughout your entire facility. We help you implement proven user-centric design principles that give you the ability to control and promote user compliance and help achieve certifications. This way, your recycling program can have a positive impact for the environment, for your bottom line, and your corporate culture.

DIVERTING WASTE FROM LANDFILL IS OUR PASSION –CREATING RECYCLING PROGRAMS THAT WORK IS OUR PURPOSE!

Our Way

Our Mission, Vision, and Values Unified


By creating smarter recycling solutions, we make it easy to do the right thing. We pull together as one team of passionate, accountable people to create a safe and uplifting environment based on initiative, trust, and respect. Our client’s success becomes our success as we aspire to never waste a moment in making the planet a better place.

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At CleanRiver, we believe that effective waste diversion goes beyond the traditional 3Rs: Reduce, Reuse, & Recycle.

That’s why we’ve developed the 3C Process: Culture, Communication, & Collection.
This unique approach ensures higher engagement and compliance with recycling program goals, leading to successful sustainability initiatives.

With the 3C Process, CleanRiver becomes an extension of your team, offering unique services and resources to support your waste diversion program.
Our passionate team of dedicated professionals operates with a customer-centric approach, making your goals and measures of success our top priority at every step of the process.

Partner with CleanRiver and unlock the full potential of waste diversion through our proven 3C Process.

Together, we can make a lasting impact on the environment and create a sustainable future.

  • Culture

    At CleanRiver, we foster a culture of sustainability, embedding responsible waste management into the fabric of our organization.

    Our commitment to sustainable practices drives us to create innovative recycling solutions that make a positive impact on the environment.

  • Communication

    Effective communication lies at the heart of our approach.
    We work closely with our clients, understanding their unique needs and goals to develop tailored recycling programs.

    By maintaining open lines of communication, we ensure seamless collaboration and successful program implementation.

  • Collection

    Our expertise in bin design and strategic collection strategies sets us apart.
    We focus on creating user-centric recycling solutions that optimize waste diversion.

    With our thoughtfully designed bins and efficient collection methods, we make recycling intuitive, convenient, and impactful.

     

Our Process

When it comes to commercial recycling, one bin does not fit all.

That’s why we take a more holistic approach, looking at the bigger picture and keeping in mind the 3C’s of recycling (culture, communication and collection) to determine the solution that’s right for you.

As commercial recycling technology, government mandates and your business change, we know it’s important to think not only of your immediate needs, but also of your future needs. Recycling products like our Transition® Configurable Recycling Containers let you change your recycling program without having to change your recycling containers. And custom graphics, recycling posters, signage and other educational material ensure your program’s success.

We help to determine the product that’s right for your needs and assist in the development of a consistent recycling program throughout your entire facility. We also encourage and help our clients to perform a waste audit to determine cost savings and keep your recycling program optimized. This way, your recycling program can have a positive impact for both the environment, and for your bottom line.

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1.
Choose your container
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Choose your Options
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Choose your Graphics
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Choose your Size
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Choose your Colour
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Choose your Openings

Why Choose CleanRiver®

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1.
Customized Waste Diversion Programs

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2.
Future Ready Solutions

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3.
In-House Experts

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4.
On-Going Support & Resources

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5.
Manufactured In North America

Our Team

Bruce Buchan

Bruce Buchan

Founder
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Bruce Buchan , Founder

A lifetime environmental entrepreneur and founder of Midpoint International Inc., the parent company of CleanRiver®, Bruce has been instrumental in the development, promotion and support of recycling programs, legislation and policies.

Over the last 30 years, he worked with thousands of companies, colleges, and other facilities to improve their recycling programs. His industry expertise is valued and sought out in speaking engagements, including the 2010 Earth Day Celebrations inside the Pentagon.

Both Founder and “recycling ambassador,” Bruce works with recycling advocates on ways to improve waste stream management and programs to make recycling more effective.

Hugh Caines

Hugh Caines

CEO
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Hugh Caines , CEO

Hugh Caines, CEO of CleanRiver, is charting a clear course towards a zero-waste future for his clients, company, and industry. As a driving force for responsible multi-stream waste diversion, Hugh is spearheading CleanRiver’s expansion into new and existing markets in need of both scalable indoor/outdoor waste collection solutions, operational efficiency, and legislated waste management compliance.

Throughout his 35 years in leadership, Hugh’s north star has always been empowering people through process improvements. For the past decade, he has dedicated his efforts to helping CleanRiver’s customers achieve their waste management and ESG goals, as well as to remain sustainability leaders in their respective industries.

In August 2023, Hugh was appointed CEO of CleanRiver—the company he has had a hand in guiding since 2011. At the heart of Hugh’s vision for CleanRiver’s future is his deep desire to bring people together to work collaboratively to positively impact the planet. Whether he’s supporting Project Nestbox—a bird feeder program for grade schools, planting trees, helping to clean-up local parks, or guiding his team in solving a difficult design or engineering problem, Hugh’s commitment to “never waste a moment” and “do the right thing” is fully evident. In Hugh’s view “achieving every business goal is possible through nurturing the growth and development of people”—and he actively embodies this philosophy by providing direction, unwavering support, and mentorship to the exceptional team at CleanRiver.

Hugh’s personal love of nature, and people, power his passion for zero waste initiatives, and continue to fuel his appreciation for riding his Harley and nature photography.

Jennifer Lyall

Jennifer Lyall

Director of Human Resources & Technology
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Jennifer Lyall , Director of Human Resources & Technology

Jennifer Lyall is the Director of Human Resources and Technology for CleanRiver Recycling Solutions and has been a member of the senior management team since 2015. She leads the company’s cultural, process and personnel initiatives including employee engagement, wellness, performance management, training & development and recruitment. She is also responsible for the management of the company’s IT infrastructure, including data management, telephony, software and hardware as well as overseeing the enterprise resource planning system.

Jennifer joined CleanRiver in 2006 and has held a variety of leadership roles including graphics, marketing support and sales administration. She also held the role of Manager of Technology and Operations Support from 2012 to 2016. During this time she spearheaded several initiatives focusing on continuous improvement such as cost saving initiatives, kaizen events, ERP implementation and securing grant funding.

Testimonials

What Our Clients are Saying

“At Priddis Greens Golf & Country Club, we were seeking a sustainable solution to expand our recycling and waste collection program. Most golf specific suppliers for these products are out of the United States and overpriced. CleanRiver worked with us to create custom solutions for managing the collection of various items including scorecards, pencils, towels, recycling, and waste. We are very happy with the end results and look forward to expanding our products to enhance collection at our practice facilities as well as on the golf course.”

Chad Thomlinson
General Manager & PGA Executive Professional

“I wanted to follow up with a thank you note. We have received our bins and installed them throughout our facility. They are spectacular. See pics attached.

Jim, sincere thanks for the grant funding and allowing us to really elevate the look of our building. It’s amazing what a difference these bins make.

Thank you both for working so closely with us through this process and making it so seamless. I hope you are both staying healthy and happy.”

Erin Wagner, CPA CA
Finance Manager, SLS Family Sports Centre

“I can’t tell you how much this container is getting praise around here. The Public Works Director attended an Executive Management Team meeting in that conference room at City Hall with the new unit, and he was sure to let me know that the container received several compliments. These will catch on like wildfire in that beautiful old building that needs better recycling options than just a dumpy blue pail.

Kerry Parker
Program Specialist, City of Alameda

“We were put in contact with Tom Lembo in early October. Within 2 weeks we were able to finalize our full order with ease. Tom always responded to our emails in a timely fashion, even when he was traveling at tradeshows. I value good customer service and I felt it was important to forward this feedback to the company. Tom made this process easy and smooth and answered all questions on our end. Tom even suggested some training tools for our employees in order for our company to become efficient in recycling. It is difficult to find valuable people who truly make a difference with a client, and Tom did exactly that.

Nada Elnabelsya
Nortec

“The addition of the recycle bins along with the correct location of the bins has been an outstanding success and we look forward to even more improvement with the new bins provided this year that are located at all entrances. We are very pleased with the progress we have made recycling and appreciative of the help we have received.”

Don Phelps
Assistant Stadium Manager, McMahon Stadium

“Thanks for your time this morning. A couple pictures with the receptacles in action! They turned out so great, I am beyond thrilled with them.”

Nicole Flewell
Director of Sustainability, Taylor Farms

“On behalf of the Green Army Team at TSH, I would like to thank Karen Morris for the outstanding patience and the excellent work she has done to help us improve our waste diversion rates.

Melissa Nobrega
Environmental Services Manager, The Scarborough Hospital

“We made a major purchase of two different CleanRiver units for our campus. In both locations, our newly renovated student center and our athletic fields, both aesthetics and function were of utmost importance. The CleanRiver TIM and Excel Slant top units ended up being perfect for the locations. They look great and are very functional. Thank you also for the great customer service through the process!”

Natalie Berland
Manager of Sustainability, Bentley University

“Hello! Just wanted to let you know that the bins arrived on Friday. Everyone (staff and our members) loves them! They look great! I’ve attached a few pictures for you! We’ve moved them all into place and they are being used! Thanks!”

Kerri Vanderbom
Project Coordinator, Lakeshore Foundation

“I wanted to thank you for the prompt delivery of the bins. Everyone is very happy with how well they look. We are still in the process of getting them all switched out on grounds, but I wanted to let you know how happy we are. Thanks again!”

Michael Weatherman
Operations Supervisor, Oregon Zoo

“We LOVE the new bins! They look awesome and are definitely what we’ve been wanting. I definitely hope to purchase more bins in the future, I imagine we’ll be looking at additional TRH bins for the academic buildings.”

Brian Webb
Sustainability Coordinator, Houghton College

“The project has been a success and people of the different sites from the Corporation are really integrating the concept. The signs and the bins were perfect for the purpose.

Isabelle D’Amour
Tanguay, Agente d’aménagement des installations/Facility Development Officer Société des musées de sciences et technologies du Canada

“Thank you for everything you did to have my five recycling stations delivered one week before my requested deadline. I truly appreciate the outstanding service! The graphics and the stations as a whole look fantastic, and the staff here at the convention center are also impressed with this quality product.”

Kimberlee Dobbins
Sustainability Coordinator, Virginia Beach Convention Centre

“We tried to have a recycling program before but didn’t have enough manpower to sort the garbage and the bags were too big and heavy to lift out of the bins. We researched some different…

JJ Muehlhausen
Little Rock Zoo

“We have multiple clients that have chosen CleanRiver recycling bins. They are high-quality, durable products with great signage options that help teach users how to properly sort what’s in their hand.

Christina Reeves
Principal Environmental Specialist, Progressive Associates – a Saint Paul, MN-based sustainability consulting firm

“I have had the pleasure of working with CleanRiver for five years. We have purchased a large quantity of the 3 and 4 bin recycling stations for use at several of our facilities across the state (we have 54 facilities from Rockford to Cairo and Quincy to Danville). Based on several factors outlined below, we hope to purchase more in the future.

David B. Miller, SRMP
Illinois Army National Guard

NEVER WASTE A MOMENT

Here at CleanRiver, we strive to connect in a different way. Our mantra: Never Waste A Moment is about spending time to build real connections with the people in our lives and appreciate the community we take part in creating. By slowing down to focus on being in the moment we’re able to cherish our experiences more, build lasting memories and truly enjoy our shared moments on this planet.