Photo Gallery: 9-year-old entrepreneur Ryan Hickman of Ryan’s Recycling Co.

Ryan Hickman begins the task of sorting aluminum cans and glass bottles for his company, Ryan’s Recycling.

Ryan Hickman, who loves recycling-related equipment, watches a CR&R truck pick up the recycling receptacle on trash day at his home in San Juan Capistrano.

Ryan Hickman lowers a heavy trash bag full of aluminum cans for his company, Ryan’s Recycling.

Ryan Hickman, 9, empties water from a trash bag full of plastic bottles as he prepares to recycle them through his company, Ryan’s Recycling.

Ryan Hickman, 9, lifts a trash can as he works with his father, Damion, to separate cans for Ryan’s Recycling Co.

Ryan Hickman works with his father, Damion, to place plastic bottles in a bag for recycling.

Ryan Hickman reads a message printed on the cap of a juice bottle as he works for his company, Ryan’s Recycling.

Ryan Hickman separates a California Redemption Value glass bottle from the rest of the glass recyclables as he works for his company, Ryan’s Recycling.

Ryan Hickman, 9, sorts cans, glass and plastic bottles for his company, Ryan’s Recycling, at his home in San Juan Capistrano.

Nine-year-old recycling entrepreneur Ryan Hickman says he donates money to the Pacific Marine Mammal Center in Laguna Beach because “they rescue seals and sea lions. ... Animals should be alive.”