A proven track record of growing revenue from waste.
Since 1926, our mission has been to add value by proactively educating, serving, and presenting a clear pathway for fiber recycling that lessens the use of natural resources, increases corporate and personal growth, reduces costs, and promotes safety.
As a proud and independent family-owned company, we stand by our values every day. Financial stability and steady growth are proof our solutions work. Our stability ensures we’re able to manage our equipment lending operations for customers. We also guarantee a steady revenue stream for the waste we manage for you. Our financial strength allows for prompt payment and service flexibility regardless of the market.
See our story
Watch a video about Mid America Paper Recycling to see our process in action!
Vision
Our team is dedicated to continually designing solutions for our customers, suppliers, and employees that result in achievable opportunities for growth and positively impact the environment.
Core Values
- Accountable: Accountable To Following Through
- Positive Attitude: Create A Positive Work Environment With A Team First Attitude
- Dedicated: Dedicate Yourself To One Another, Our Customers, And Our Suppliers
- Proactive Communicator: Proactively Communicate; Keep Everyone Informed
- Differentiate: Commit To Differentiate
Four Generations Of Growth And Success.
1926
Advance Waste
1978
Mid America Paper
Recycling Established
1982
Opened 13,000 square
foot facility
Early 1990’s
Moved into an 80,000
square foot facility
1995
Lost building to fire
1996
Opened current facility of
70,000 square feet
2000’s
Upgraded transportation
and recycling capabilities
Present
One of the country’s largest
private recycling companies
We Run Things Our Way, Without Compromise.
Independence and Financial Stability
As a proud and independent family-owned company, we stand by our values every day. Financial stability and steady growth are proof our solutions work. Our stability ensures we’re able to manage our equipment lending operations for customers. We also guarantee a steady revenue stream for the waste we manage for you. Our financial strength allows for prompt payment and service flexibility regardless of the market.
OUR ECO-CONSCIOUS IDEALS MAKE A LOT OF GREEN
Environmental Initiatives
At Mid America, we feel fortunate to be in a profitable industry that has a positive impact on the environment. Our definition of an effective recycling program is one that diverts waste from landfills, utilizes alternative energy platforms, recycles waste commodities, and improves your bottom line.
Mid America stays at the forefront of recycling technology by showing organizations how to further their sustainability efforts, become more cost-efficient in their processes, and develop markets for hard-to-move commodities. We also get involved with industry initiatives, provide educational tours, donate to causes, and more. The entire team is honored and privileged to do our part.
Effective recycling programs are in our DNA.
Mid America has been a family-owned company for four generations. Our leadership is passionate about environmental issues and committed to generating value for strategic partners. Thanks to our independence, we are able to do what’s right for the benefit of our customers every day.
Executive Team
Don Gaines
CEO
With nearly four decades at the helm of one of the country’s leading independent recycling and brokerage companies, Don is just as comfortable in a plant facility as he is in a boardroom. In fact, walking the floors and studying the intricate process flow of materials through a plant is exactly the kind of insight that helps customers generate more revenue from their waste paper. This industry is competitive and changing rapidly. Don is on the front lines every day.
Tom Surdyk
Executive VP
Tom has been an integral part of the Mid America team since 1982. His desire to shape the future of a remarkable company has helped make us who we are today. With a background as a tax attorney, Tom manages administrative duties such as negotiating Collective Bargaining Agreements with two Unions and maintaining relationships with banks and accountants. Our family-centered culture is demonstrated by the fact that Tom’s sons are a part of the company as well.
Alan Surdyk
Plant Manager
At Mid America, we don’t just tell our client partners how to capture more value from waste, we perfect the process ourselves. As plant manager, Alan is in charge of making sure our plant handles thousands of tons of waste paper efficiently, separating it into 51 different grades with the maximum possible value. The insights he's gained since his start in 2003 are insights our client partners also use to great effect.
Kathleen Stark
VP of Finance
A member of Mid America Paper Recycling’s executive team, Kathleen brings over 26 years of financial experience, having held roles as a controller, auditor, and financial manager at companies like McDonald’s, Tiege Hanley, and LRAP. A Certified Public Accountant, Stark oversees financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and strategic initiatives. With a passion for driving financial efficiencies, Stark provides valuable insights to support the company's growth and enhance fiber recycling solutions nationwide.
Lindsey Villanueva
Director of Operations
Beginning her career with Mid America Paper Recycling in 2005 as a receptionist, Lindsey Villanueva has grown alongside the company to become the Director of Operations. Her nearly two decades of dedication reflect a deep commitment to excellence and growth. In her current role, Lindsey oversees operational strategies, coordinates cross-departmental initiatives, and leads process improvements. Her leadership ensures seamless operations and exceptional service, contributing to innovative recycling solutions for our clients.
Affiliations
