Episode release date: Thursday, Aug. 13
Guest: Doug Moderick, Senior Account Executive at Gateway Recycling
Recycling is part of daily life for many food and beverage businesses, but building a program that actually works can be more complicated than placing a bin near the back door.
In this episode of Shelf Confidence, PFMA talks with Doug Moderick, Senior Account Executive at Gateway Recycling, about commercial recycling, sustainability and practical ways businesses can manage materials more effectively.
With more than 14 years of experience in the recycling industry, Moderick brings a people-first approach to helping businesses understand what happens to their materials, where programs often fall short and how operators can improve recycling as part of daily operations.
The conversation moves beyond the basic idea of recycling and looks at what businesses need to know to make programs cleaner, safer and more efficient. For retailers, restaurants, distributors and other food and beverage operations, recycling can involve cardboard, plastics, packaging, food-adjacent materials and other waste streams that require clear procedures and team buy-in.
Moderick discusses common mistakes businesses make, including contamination issues, unclear processes and assumptions about what can or cannot be recycled. He also explains why successful programs require communication, consistency and an understanding of how materials are handled after they leave the business.
For PFMA members, this episode offers a practical reminder that sustainability efforts work best when they are realistic. Recycling programs should support operations, not create confusion or inefficiency. With the right approach, businesses can reduce waste, improve cleanliness and make recycling a more effective part of their everyday workflow.
Listen to this episode of Shelf Confidence on PFMA’s social media channels, YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, the PFMA website and all major podcast platforms.