**This episode first aired in June 2020. You can find the updated clip from Ryan at 21:00**
Did you know that only 10% of all plastic that’s ever been produced has been recycled?!* And that just 60% of communities in the U.S. have access to curbside recycling pick-up?** Our waste is a huge problem but, today’s guest, Ryan Hickman, is determined to be part of the solution. At just 10 years old (yes, you read that right!), he’s CEO of his own company, Ryan’s Recycling. He joins us today with his dad, Damion, and helps to demystify the confusion that recycling can sometimes cause.
Highlights from our talk:
(1:54) How does Ryan’s Recycling work?
(2:43) You’ll never guess how many customers he has!
(4:26) Nor how much he has recycled so far…
(6:28) Lightning round of 5 items and their recyclability
(12:49) What happens to the items you recycle?
(15:11) In addition to saving up for a garbage truck, Ryan also donates some of his profits to the Pacific Marine Mammal Center. His favorite animal there was Heartbreaker. <3
(17:02) Why does Ryan feel like he can make a difference?
How YOU can do recycling right:
- Glass, steel, aluminum can be recycled indefinitely. Try to choose these items over plastic.
- Recycling codes for plastic #1 (hard) and #2 are the most widely accepted.
- Plastic #1 (soft), #4, #5 some centers will accept these.
- Plastic #3, #6, #7 most centers cannot take these but do check.
- Pizza Boxes- You can recycle the clean lid, but compost or throw out the bottom part that has the grease.
- Takeaway Soda or Coffee Cups- Despite being paper on the outside, they have a plastic waterproof lining on the inside. This makes them non-recyclable. As for their lids, they tend to be #6 plastic and very few centers will accept them. However, the cardboard slip used to protect you from the heat can be recycled!
- Plastic Bags- most curbside programs won’t accept plastic bags because they can damage the machines. However, many grocery stores have recycling programs for them so drop them off on your next grocery run.
- Plastic Film and Wraps- same as bags. Often not taken at curbside but there may be drop off locations that accept them.
- Peanut butter jars- This is a lesson into how important it is to clean out the items before you throw them in the bin. Although the jar may be recyclable, if it isn’t cleaned, it will be thrown out. Worse, it may cause the whole batch to be thrown out!
- Boxes with tape on them- I think these are generally accepted but it is probably best to remove as much tape and labels as possible.
- Caps and Lids- Ryan’s municipality allows for them to stay on the container however this can vary from place to place. Double-check first.
- Receipts- most receipts these days are treated with a chemical that allows them to be printed on thermally thereby making them non-recyclable.
- Aluminum Foil- recyclable only if you can remove all traces of food residue. Best if you can combine multiple sheets into a ball before tossing it.
- Freezer food boxes and ice cream containers- same as takeaway cups, they have a plastic waterproof lining that makes them non-recyclable.
- For hard to recycle plastics, I love the Ecobrick program. Be sure to check it out.
- Contact Lenses and their Blister Packs- Through this program
- Recycling requires a lot of energy, water, and chemicals. Always try to refuse, reduce, and reuse first.
As per Ryan, “When in doubt, throw it out.” Trying to recycle something you *think* is recyclable can actually contaminate the whole load, causing it all to go to the landfill. It can also break recycling equipment, slow down operations, create unsafe work conditions (especially when sharp or hazardous materials are involved), and can increase service costs. Each municipality is different and some take more items and, some, less. A quick online search will find their number for you to call and get clarification from them.
Links
All photos credit to Ryansrecycling.com
Background music by Fearless Motivation Instrumentals: Meaning of Life
WANT FREE STUFF?
Sign up below and every month, as a member, you have a chance to win products that help you reduce your environmental footprint. Plus, you’ll receive the weekly newsletter with the podcast show notes and summarized action tips.