We recently had the chance to connect with Ryan Hickman and have shared our conversation below.
Ryan, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
I volunteer my time to do at least one beach clean up a week at my local beach and it’s something I really enjoy doing. I definitely lose track of time when I’m out cleaning the beach. It’s time that my dad and I get to spend together and I know I’m making a difference to help the environment. I’d do it every day if I could.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Ok, well hello everyone, my name is Ryan Hickman and I love to recycle. Thirteen years ago, when I was about three years old, my dad took to me to our local recycling center with a few small bags of plastic bottles and I thought the recycling center was the coolest place I had ever been to. I was so excited that I asked our entire neighborhood to start recycling with me. I would give everyone bags each week and collect their cans and bottles to take to the recycling center. That’s when I started Ryan’s Recycling Company.
I’ve since recycled nearly 2.5 million cans and bottles and I started a non profit org named Project3R. We lead classroom education programs to teach kids about taking care of our ocean and I lead community beach clean up events from Los Angeles down to Ensenada.
I’m also a co-founder of a company called Recycle From Home. We started that business about four years ago and we have a fleet of vans that pick up and pay people for their cans and bottles right at their doorstep. We’re changing the way Southern California recycles and I want to make it easy to recycle for everyone. We’re mostly in Orange and Riverside Counties right now but we plan to expand into Los Angeles and San Diego Counties as well in the future.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
My dad for sure. He’s been an entrepreneur most of his life and he’s helped me with everything I do in regards to the recycling business. He’s taught me to stay focused and determined to reach my goals. He works really hard and I’ve been able to watch how he does things.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Well, I’m still young. (I’m only 16) – I’d probably tell the little version of me that I was doing great and give myself encouragement to keep going because it would inspire a lot of people to take care of the planet.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’m committed to recycling and raising awareness to take care of our planet. I hoping to stay focused on this when I’m an adult too. I’ve been very fortunate to have a lot of people tell me that I’ve inspired them to do their part in helping the environment. That makes me feel good.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I think I’m doing what I was born to do. My parents have always been super supportive but they have never made me recycle or push me to do anything I didn’t want to do. I think I’m lucky to have found something I love to do at a young age.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ryansrecycling.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryans_recycling/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-hickman-aa79302b4/
- Twitter: https://x.com/ryans_recycling
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ryansrecycling/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RyanHickmanRecycling
- Other: www.recyclefromhome.com
www.project3r.org
Image Credits
Photo credits: Damion Hickman/Jason Fitzgibbon
