Recycle From Home’s Impact After Six Months

Since launching in Riverside in June 2024, Recycle From Home has made a significant impact, making recycling more accessible while putting money back in residents’ pockets. In its first six months, the doorstep recycling service has processed over 22,000 pounds of CRV recyclables, with more than 1,000 residents signing up for the program.

Impressive Results

In six months alone, Riverside residents:

• Completed 900+ pickups, with an average value of $21.53 per collection
• Recycled 22,004 pounds of CRV materials, including:
  • 4,913 lbs of aluminum
  • 6,933 lbs of plastic PET bottles
  • 9,664 lbs of glass bottles
• Redeemed nearly $18,700 in CRV funds
• Donated $1,617.80 to Riverside charities
• Saved 11.25 tons of CO₂ emissions, equivalent to powering 13 households for a year

As the only authorized mobile recycling service in California, Recycle From Home offers a hassle-free way for residents to redeem their CRV deposits—without a trip to the recycling center.

Community Support and Leadership

The success of Recycle From Home in Riverside has been driven in part by the strong support of city leaders. Derek Paulo, the service’s product director and a longtime Riverside resident, credits the city’s leadership for embracing the program.

“I’ve lived in Riverside for more than 20 years, and I’m continually impressed by the level of talent this city attracts—especially in recent years. The people representing Riverside genuinely care about improving life for residents,” Paulo said. “When we introduced Recycle From Home, the city was quick to support us, excited to bring this added convenience to the community. Riverside Public Works, the City Council, and the City Manager’s office have been outstanding. It’s reassuring to know that Riverside is in good hands with leaders who encourage organizations like ours that want to make a difference for the environment and our community.”

Paulo specifically acknowledged Lee Withers, Alex Rendon, Philip Falcone, Chuck Conder, and City Manager Mike Futrell for their support in helping the program succeed.

The Story Behind Recycle From Home

The service began as a California state pilot program to expand recycling redemption access. Launched in Irvine in 2020, it has since expanded to multiple cities, including Riverside. One of the most recognizable faces behind the initiative is Ryan Hickman, a passionate environmentalist who started Ryan’s Recycling at just three years old.

Ryan’s dedication to sustainability gained international recognition when his story went viral in 2016. Since then, he has been featured on CNN, NBC, Good Morning America, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, National Geographic, and TIME for Kids. Now, as a Recycle From Home ambassador, he helps encourage more communities to recycle with ease.

Looking Ahead

With a strong start in Riverside, Recycle From Home is continuing to grow, making recycling more convenient while helping the city reduce waste and emissions. For more background on the program’s launch, read our original coverage here.