Young recycling advocate and entrepreneur Ryan Hickman, known as “Ryan’s Recycling,” recently returned to ERI’s Fresno facility for a behind-the-scenes tour, sharing his visit with audiences across his social media platforms.
During the visit, ERI’s Aaron Blum led the tour, offering an inside look at ERI’s work and explaining the importance of responsible electronics recycling in a way that resonates with audiences of all ages. The video highlights how education and awareness can help inspire the next generation to make a difference for the environment.
Ryan’s passion for recycling began in 2012, when he was just 3 years old. After accompanying his father to a local recycling center, he was inspired to start his own can and bottle recycling business before turning 4. His enthusiasm soon captured national attention, earning him media appearances, awards, and recognition for his environmental advocacy.
Now a teenager, Ryan continues to turn that early passion into meaningful action. He founded the nonprofit Project3R and co-founded Recycle From Home, a residential recycling service that has grown to serve more than 15,000 customers through a pilot program with CalRecycle. He also continues to recycle with his own Ryan’s Recycling customers on weekends and has personally recycled nearly 2.5 million cans and bottles to date.
Ryan’s return visit to ERI underscores the importance of environmental education and the power of leading by example. By helping people understand what happens to electronic waste and why responsible recycling matters, ERI is working to build a more sustainable future for generations to come. Watch Ryan’s tour of ERI’s Fresno facility below.
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