Ryan Hickman is not your average teenager. He is the founder of Ryan’s Recycling, a company that collects and recycles cans and bottles from customers in California. He is also a co-founder of Recycle from Home, a pilot program that provides a pick-up and pay service for recyclable items. He has recycled nearly 2 million containers, donated thousands of dollars to a marine mammal center, and inspired people around the world to care for the environment.
Ryan’s Recycling: A journey from hobby to business
Ryan Hickman started recycling when he was just 3 years old. He accompanied his father to a local recycling center and was fascinated by the process of sorting and weighing the materials. He decided to collect cans and bottles from his neighbors and family members, and soon he had his own recycling business.
“I just liked recycling and I wanted to save the planet,” Ryan said.
Ryan’s Recycling grew over the years, as more and more people heard about Ryan’s initiative and contacted him to pick up their recyclables. Ryan also created a website and a social media presence, where he shares his achievements and tips on recycling. He has appeared on several TV shows and magazines, and has received awards and recognition for his work.
Ryan said he enjoys running his own business and being his own boss. He also likes to earn money for his college fund and to donate to his favorite charity, the Pacific Marine Mammal Center. He has sold over 25,000 t-shirts with his logo, and the proceeds go to support the center’s rescue and rehabilitation of marine animals.
“I love animals and I want to help them,” Ryan said.
Recycle from Home: A new venture to make recycling easier
In June 2021, Ryan joined forces with CalRecycle, the state agency that oversees recycling programs, and Winters Brothers, a waste management company, to launch a new venture called Recycle from Home. The pilot program aims to make recycling more convenient and rewarding for residents and businesses in California.
Recycle from Home provides customers with a special bin that can hold up to 200 pounds of cans and bottles. Customers can schedule a pick-up online or by phone, and a truck will come to their location and weigh their recyclables. Customers will then receive a payment via PayPal or Venmo, based on the current market value of the materials.
“We bring the recycling center to the customer, and we make recycling easier,” Ryan said.
Recycle from Home has recycled more than 154 tons of cans and bottles so far, and paid customers nearly $267,000. The program is currently available in 12 cities in California, and plans to expand to more areas in the future.
Ryan said he is proud to be a co-founder of Recycle from Home, and hopes to inspire more people to recycle and reduce waste.
“Recycling is good for the planet and good for your pocket,” Ryan said.
Ryan’s vision: A greener and cleaner world
Ryan Hickman is not only a successful entrepreneur, but also a passionate environmentalist. He believes that recycling is one of the most effective ways to protect the environment and conserve natural resources. He also advocates for other actions, such as using reusable bags and bottles, avoiding single-use plastics, and joining beach clean-ups.
Ryan has also started a nonprofit organization called Project3R, which stands for Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. The organization organizes beach clean-ups and educational events in schools and communities, to raise awareness and encourage action on environmental issues.
Ryan said he wants to make a difference in the world, and to motivate others to do the same.
“I want to show people that anyone can recycle and help the planet, no matter how old or young they are,” Ryan said.
Ryan Hickman is a remarkable example of how a simple idea can turn into a powerful impact. He is a role model for his generation and beyond, and a proof that recycling can be fun, profitable, and meaningful.
