In a world where environmental issues are at the forefront of global concerns, one young boy’s passion for recycling is creating waves of change. Meet Ryan Hickman, a 13-year-old from Orange County, California, whose journey into recycling began at the tender age of three. What started as a small initiative has grown into a movement in southern California 

In 2012, Ryan accompanied his dad to a local recycling center, where he experienced turning recyclables into cash. This simple visit ignited a spark in Ryan. The very next day, he decided to distribute empty plastic bags to his neighbors, encouraging them to save their recyclables for him. Little did he know that this small act would set the stage for a remarkable journey.

Today, Ryan’s Recycling Company has customers all over Orange County, California. His mission is clear: prevent recyclable containers from reaching landfills, gutters, and the ocean. Every week, Ryan dedicates time to sorting through cans and bottles collected from his customers, preparing them for a trip to the recycling center.

In 2016, Ryan’s story went viral, capturing the attention of web platforms, television, and radio stations worldwide. He has been featured on prestigious shows like Ellen, Little Big Shots, and The Pickler & Ben Show. Ryan’s achievements include being recognized as a 2017 CNN Young Wonder, a multiple-time WE DAY speaker, and earning the title of “2017 Citizen of the Year” in his hometown of San Juan Capistrano.

Ryan’s impact extends beyond national borders, with features on international platforms such as Australia’s Channel 7 Sunrise morning show. He has become a global symbol of positive change, as evidenced by his recognition in various publications. This includes TIME Magazine for Kids, National Geographic, and Good Housekeeping.

The young eco-warrior didn’t stop at personal achievements. In 2021, he founded his nonprofit organization, Project3R, with a mission to educate and emphasize the importance of recycling to children and adults worldwide. Ryan is also a founding partner in Recycle From Home, a venture that aligns with his commitment to making a difference on a global scale. His company logo t-shirts, with the message “Make the Sea Trash Free,” contribute to supporting volunteer efforts at the Pacific Marine Mammal Center in Laguna Beach. All proceeds from these shirts go toward this noble cause.

Apart from his entrepreneurial endeavors, Ryan actively engages in environmental education and outreach. He shares his story through presentations at schools, events, and conferences, demonstrating that even a single person, regardless of age, can make a substantial difference in the world.

It’s all about inspiring others to take action and make a positive impact on the environment.

As Ryan continues to grow and evolve, he remains a beacon of inspiration for people of all ages. His passion, dedication, and enthusiasm serve as a powerful reminder of the impact one individual can have on the world. Ryan Hickman is not just a young boy who collects recyclables; he is a symbol of hope and a catalyst for change in our collective journey toward a cleaner, more sustainable planet. 

Ryan Hickman is a young entrepreneur who hated it when people would litter, so him and his family started searching around for trash. Determined to make the earth cleaner, he even went around his neighborhood to collect trash and recyclables. He turned his love for cleaning up trash into a business which he titled Ryan’s Recycling Company, and he also designed t-shirts to rally up enough money to donate. Using all of his profits, he donated to a rescue organization called The Pacific Marine Mammal Center, which helped make the earth a cleaner, healthier place for everyone. Whenever anyone buys a shirt from his website, the proceeds go to save a seal. Ryan started all of this at age 3 and made his own business by age 7. He gathered a lot of attention for being so innovative at such a young age, and appeared in famous networks such as Ellen, and Today. His overall goal is to make it so that recyclable containers don’t make their way to the gutters and out-to-sea where they can harm animals and the environment. Despite his young age, he still manages to run his business effectively with the help of his parents. Ryan’s unique and innovative execution of his business not only inspires others to take better care for the environment, but it saves the lives of animals and other living things.