This 11-Year-Old Boy Created and Runs His Own Recycling Company

Meet Ryan Hickman, a sustainability-focused lover of the planet who started his own business, Ryan's Recycling Company, in 2012. Based in Orange County, California, the now 11-year-old collaborates with people from all across the state to collect recyclables and dispose of them correctly.

In taking these large steps for the community, Ryan is aiding neighborhoods across the Golden State to protect the environments in which they live. According to the sixth-grader, he has already helped recycle over one million cans and bottles, more than 140,000lbs of products, since first launching the company.

If that weren't enough of an accomplishment for the young entrepreneur, Ryan has also helped raise more than $13,000 for The Pacific Marine Mammal Center. Hickman has made his motive quite clear: No matter if it's on land or in the sea, the planet must be kept clean. Since visiting a local recycling center at just 3 years old, the passionate kid has been working towards this mission.

As of now, Hickman mainly focuses on recycling cans, bottles, and glass. The company's official website even offers a form that people can fill out so that Ryan and his father will come at a decided time and location to collect others' recycling and bring it to the correct disposal areas. This power duo wants to make being eco-friendly possible for all!

"I'm inspired by the people I inspired," Ryan gushed. In an interview with Now This News, Hickman stated that he feels hopeful that his efforts and those of others are actually making an impact on the world at large. So, what is this go-getter's message to the world?

"If an 11-year-old kid like me can do it, you guys can too. I follow my passion; you guys can [too]," Hickman declared. The truck seen here is just one of Ryan's Recycling Company's fleet of vans that travel across California picking up recyclable items. Interested in supporting Hickman's passion? You can visit ryansrecycling.com and learn all about the ongoing projects and how you can help.