Talking Trash, Making Change

In this episode of Off the Cuff, we sit down with Hugh Caines, CEO of CleanRiver Recycling Solutions, to explore the human side of sustainability leadership. From his early days in process improvement to his current mission of zero waste, Hugh shares how empowering people is the key to transforming organizations—and the planet. We dive into CleanRiver’s roots in Aurora, Ontario, and how community, design, and purpose-driven innovation have shaped a company that’s redefining what it means to divert waste from landfill. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to build a recycling program that actually works, this episode is your blueprint.