January 22, 2026
Growing the Worth of Waste, Now on a Larger National Scale
For a century, Mid America Paper Recycling (MAPR) has helped AICC members and major manufacturers turn waste into revenue. As one of the largest independent brokers, processors, and exporters of recovered materials in the U.S., the Chicago-headquartered company has built its reputation on reliability, responsiveness, and innovation. Now, that story continues on a larger stage. In late 2025, MAPR became part of FV Recycling, a Jones Capital portfolio company. The partnership unites two respected, family-founded recycling organizations whose shared values of service, integrity, and sustainability form the foundation for a new national leader in managed recycling solutions.
A Legacy of Partnership and Performance
Founded in 1926, MAPR has always been more than a recycler, it’s been a partner in sustainability to box manufacturers. For decades, the company has helped corrugated converters, packaging producers, printers, and industrial manufacturers “Grow the Worth of Their Waste.” That philosophy centers on collaboration. MAPR works directly with customers to evaluate waste streams, identify inefficiencies, and unlock hidden value in recyclable materials. Many clients have transformed recycling from a cost center into a profit center by optimizing sorting processes, reducing freight and handling costs, and selling materials mill-direct. “Our goal has never been to just haul recyclables,” says MAPR’s Don Gaines. “It’s to help customers see what their materials are truly worth and build programs that deliver measurable returns.”Powering Growth with FV Recycling
That customer-first mindset made MAPR a natural fit for FV Recycling. Since 2000, FV has built one of the Southeast’s most respected commercial and industrial recycling networks, known for bale route hauling, logistics services, and national brokerage services. FV also provides full-service equipment sales, leasing, and repair for balers and compactors. “Bringing Mid America into the FV family allows us to offer customers a wider range of services, from hauling and logistics to fiber marketing and mill-direct programs,” says Gene Smith, President of FV Recycling. The integration expands MAPR’s national brokerage reach into FV’s southern operations. Customers now benefit from enhanced logistics, multi-material recycling options, and new processing capacity in both regions.Looking Ahead
As domestic manufacturing grows and sustainability goals accelerate, recyclers face shifting mill demand and grade variability. Together, MAPR and FV offer the scale and agility to help customers navigate that complexity to help stabilize returns, maximize efficiency, and ensure suppliers benefit directly from market opportunities. “This partnership strengthens what’s always set us apart, which is relationships built on trust and performance. Our customers keep the same team they know, with more tools and reach to serve them better,” according to Gaines. The new larger combined team will remain laser focused on helping businesses turn waste into a competitive advantage, and keeping valuable materials in circulation for the benefit of customers, communities, and the planet. Let us help you “Grow the Worth of Your Waste.” It all begins with a quick waste audit survey, which takes less than 10 minutes to complete at www.midamericapaper.com.
