An 11-Year-Old Boy in California Successfully Operates a Recycling Business

At the tender age of three, Ryan Hickman launched his own recycling business following a trip to a local recycling center in Orange County, CA. Accompanied by his father to deposit a few bags of cans and bottles, Ryan was instantly captivated by the process of recycling. He was determined to start his own company to contribute to environmental conservation. The very next day after their visit, Ryan shared his vision with his parents, expressing his desire to distribute empty plastic bags to neighbors, encouraging them to collect recyclables for him. 

His initiative was a success; the neighbors began to save their cans for Ryan. He then enlisted the support of friends, family, and his parents' colleagues. Today, Ryan's client base spans across Orange County, and his recycling venture is thriving more than ever. Each week, he dedicates time to sort through cans and bottles from his customers, preparing them for the recycling center.

What Ryan says about the importance of recycling

“I have recycled over 1 million cans and bottles, and I started recycling when I was 3.5 years old. Now I’m 11, so that was 8 years of recycling,” Ryan said.

He said when his Dad first took him to the recycling center, he fell in love with it and wanted to continue recycling. “It was fun and I saw it was making a difference in the environment.”

Ryan told us that knowing all the recyclable materials he collects will help clean up the environment inspires him to keep going.

“EVERY SINGLE CAN AND BOTTLE THAT I RECYCLE IS NOT ENDING UP IN OCEANS, LANDFILLS, LAKES, RIVERS, RESERVOIRS, OR FOR ANIMALS TO EAT IT, GET SICK AND DIE.”

According to Ryan, here’s how long it takes for different materials to break down in the environment:

• One soda can – 9 years
• Plastic bottle – 600 years
• Glass bottle – 1 million years

He mentions that approximately 14% of the current ocean litter is made up of materials that can be easily recycled. While the task may appear overwhelming, if each of us commits to recycling, we can significantly decrease the litter in our surroundings. Naturally, the most substantial effect comes from overall consumption reduction, but it's still important to recycle and repurpose whatever we use.

“What keeps me motivated to keep recycling is just getting letters and emails from all over the world telling me thanks and keep up the recycling,” Ryan says.

The encouragement of others fuels Ryan's inspiration to persist in his mission to cleanse the Earth, yet it is his own passion that drives him. From a young age, he was determined to contribute to a cleaner planet and envisioned founding a recycling company. As the president of his own company now, he perceives an endless journey ahead with boundless possibilities for achievement.

Spread the word–it’s essential to recycle!

His advice for those who wish to promote the importance of recycling is to emphasize its significant impact. "If millions of people each recycle a single bottle or can, that adds up to millions of bottles and cans being recycled. Recycling is truly simple."

Much like other aspects of life, when one individual performs a good deed, it often encourages others to follow suit. This is evident in acts of kindness such as paying it forward at Starbucks and other eateries. One person's positive actions can initiate a ripple effect, inspiring others to participate. Many people are eager to contribute but are uncertain of how to begin.

Ryan exemplifies the positive influence and determination needed to operate a thriving recycling business. He demonstrates that everyone has the potential to effect change. In terms of recycling, many cities offer recycling bins to their residents, simplifying the process. If your city does not provide this service, there are alternative methods available.

Websites like Earth911.com offer local recycling options when you enter your zip code. They also share best practices for managing recyclable materials to prevent environmental contamination. Alternatively, you could emulate Ryan and start your own recycling business! If he could achieve this at just three years old, anyone can, with sufficient determination and a passion for cleaning up the planet.

Ryan's story became a sensation in 2016, and he has been featured on news outlets, websites, and radio stations worldwide. He has received numerous awards and honors, including being named “2017 Citizen of the Year” by his hometown of San Juan Capistrano.

Some of Ryan’s other notable accomplishments include:

• being named one of the most influential people of 2017 by the Orange County Register
• making the MSN “top 15 kids changing the world” list in 2018
• being listed in Good Housekeeping’s list of 40 kids who have changed the world in 2019 and 2020
• making the Reader’s Digest 2020 List of Kids of the Decade Changing the World
• being featured in TIME Magazine for Kids, National Geographic, and a WHIZ KID in OC Family Magazine
• being named the 2017 CNN Young Wonder
• appearing on the Ellen DeGeneres show and has been on Ryan Seacrest’s radio program
• appearing on ABC World News, Good Morning America, The Today Show, USA Today, Fox, CNN, NBC, and more.

Ryan is saving for his college education and aims to purchase a full-size trash truck using the proceeds from recycling. To support his company's volunteer work, you can buy merchandise from his website. Residents of Orange County with recyclables can arrange a pickup with Ryan. Additionally, you have the option to schedule an interview or appearance, or inquire about recycling in your locality.

From his website:

“THANK YOU TO ALL OF RYAN’S FRIENDS AROUND THE WORLD, HIS CUSTOMERS AND FAMILY WHO HAVE SUPPORTED HIS AMBITIONS AND HARD WORK RECYCLING.”