About Us
Changing Your Perspective On Waste For Over 35 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
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.
That’s why we’ve developed the 3C Process: Culture, Communication, & Containers.
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.
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Culture
It starts at the top. Establishing a strong recycling culture is essential for the success of any waste diversion program.
When all stakeholders within an organization or community are aligned and committed to sustainability, it fosters greater awareness and engagement.
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Communication
Clear and consistent communication is critical to guiding participants through the waste diversion process.
Well-designed signage, targeted training, and regular reminders help ensure that participants understand proper sorting practices. Ultimately improving the overall performance of the program.
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Containers
User-friendly containers are key to successful waste diversion. Thoughtfully tailored to fit any environment, our bins make sorting intuitive and efficient, ensuring proper waste separation and boosting diversion rates.
Our Process
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.
Why Choose CleanRiver®
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Customized Waste Diversion Programs
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Future Ready Solutions
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In-House Experts
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On-Going Support & Resources
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Manufactured In North America
Our Team
Bruce Buchan
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
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.
Greg Wood
Greg Wood , CFO
Greg Wood is an experienced financial executive who joined CleanRiver Recycling Solutions as Chief Financial Officer in December 2022. In his role, he provides strategic financial leadership and supports the company’s long-term growth, operational performance, and organizational objectives.
Greg brings a thoughtful and results-oriented approach to financial planning, reporting, risk management, and business decision-making. Working closely with CleanRiver’s leadership team, he helps ensure that the company’s financial strategies align with its operational priorities and future direction.
A graduate of the University of Toronto, Greg combines strong financial expertise with strategic insight and a commitment to building efficient, sustainable, and high-performing organizations.
Andrew Bell
Andrew Bell , Vice President, Sales and Marketing
Andrew Bell is an accomplished sales and business executive with more than 20 years of experience in sales, marketing, strategic planning, and team development. As Vice President of Sales and Marketing at CleanRiver Recycling Solutions, he leads initiatives focused on business growth, customer relationships, market expansion, and building high-performing sales teams.
Throughout his career, Andrew has demonstrated a strong ability to improve sales performance, develop emerging leaders, and build results-driven teams. His achievements include receiving National Sales Manager of the Year honours in both 2016 and 2017 and supporting the advancement of several employees into management positions.
Andrew is a graduate of Graceland University, where he was recognized on the Dean’s Academic List, served as President of the Students in Free Enterprise presentation team, and competed as a varsity soccer player. His leadership approach combines strategic thinking, employee development, operational execution, and a commitment to delivering long-term value for customers and organizations.
Jennifer Lyall, CHRP
Jennifer Lyall, CHRP , Vice President, People & Technology
Jennifer Lyall, CHRP, is the Vice President, People & Technology at CleanRiver Recycling Solutions, where she partners with leaders across the organization to align people, technology, and business strategy. As a member of the senior leadership team since 2015, she is passionate about building an inclusive, high-performing workplace where employees can do their best work while helping the organization achieve its long-term goals.
Jennifer leads the company’s people strategy, including talent acquisition, leadership development, employee engagement, organizational development, performance management, total rewards, health and safety, and workplace culture. She also oversees the organization’s technology strategy and business systems, ensuring technology supports operational excellence, continuous improvement, and scalable growth.
Since joining CleanRiver in 2006, Jennifer has held progressively senior roles spanning customer service, operations, technology, and human resources. This broad business experience provides a unique perspective on connecting people, processes, and technology to improve organizational performance. Throughout her career, she has led strategic initiatives including enterprise resource planning (ERP) implementation, business process improvement, organizational change, grant funding, and cross-functional operational improvements.
Jennifer is a Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) who believes that great organizations are built by investing in people, fostering strong leadership, and continually improving how work gets done.
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.”
“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.”
“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.
“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.
“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.”
“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.”
“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.
“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!”
“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!”
“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!”
“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.”
“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.
“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.”
“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…
“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.
“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.
The bins look amazing with the logo and the design of them makes it very clear. It has helped us reduce contamination significantly. We still have more work to do, but these help a ton.
CleanRiver was able provide us with solutions for the site. It was a seamless process from our walk through onsite, to design and ordering. They were quick to listen to our requirements and make recommendations.
The Pizza box bins have been great. Our cleaners have definitely seen an improvement to the site overall. There has been a huge reduction in pizza boxes around the property. I would recommend working with CleanRiver!
Never Waste a Moment
Sustainability at the Forefront: Community Initiatives
CleanRiver is dedicated to promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship through various community initiatives.
We actively engage with K-12 schools through Project Nest Box, providing recycled plastic bird nest boxes and fostering students’ connection with nature.
Our TRUE Certified Zero Waste Advisors demonstrate our commitment to high standards and offer expertise in zero waste strategies.
We contribute to community tree planting events, having planted over 3500 trees in our hometown.
Our founder’s involvement in environmental organizations showcases our dedication to conservation and resource efficiency in promoting a circular economy.