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**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 12 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, and 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.
• Peanut butter jars- This is a lesson about 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!

** You can find more suggestions in the show notes on the episode's webpage!

As per Ryan, "When in doubt, throw it out."  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.

*https://www.nationalgeographic.com/news/2017/07/plastic-produced-recycling-waste-ocea

If you'd like to sponsor next season (or even just an episode) reach out to me and let's chat! My email is [email protected].

Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!

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