At just 15 years old, Ryan Easton from Mount Pearl decided to take a different path than most teenagers seeking their first job. Instead of opting for fast food or retail, he embarked on an entrepreneurial journey by opening Ryan’s Recycling in 2021, right in his parents’ backyard. What started as a modest venture has since blossomed into a full-fledged operation nestled in a 10,000-square-foot storage yard, complete with a 700-square-foot scrapping facility, situated in the heart of Donovan’s Industrial Park.
Despite being in Grade 9, Ryan manages a range of recycling services, including scrapping cars, recycling appliances, metal, and e-waste, as well as offering dumpster rentals. He then sells the collected scrap to bulk buyers, turning waste into profit. Remarkably, Ryan learned the skills necessary to run his business by watching instructional videos on YouTube, a testament to the wealth of knowledge available online.
While Ryan’s parents were initially uncertain about his unconventional business venture, they have since become fully supportive of his endeavor. Viola Easton, Ryan’s mom, recalls the early days when people would come by their house to sell scrap metal, expecting to meet Ryan’s father, only to realize that Ryan was the mastermind behind the operation.
Ryan’s business acumen and vision for the future are evident in his strategic decisions. He reinvests every dollar earned back into his business, which has enabled him to expand into a larger warehouse and storage yard. Despite initial concerns about his ambitious plans, Ryan’s demonstrated expertise and financial savvy have won over his parents, who now trust his judgment implicitly.
In just a few short years, Ryan has achieved remarkable success, processing approximately 300,000 pounds of scrap steel between August and the end of the previous year. His dedication to sustainability is evident in his commitment to hosting an annual Earth Day e-waste event, where members of the community can drop off electronic waste free of charge, thus diverting harmful materials from landfills.
Looking ahead, Ryan envisions further growth for his business, with aspirations to establish additional recycling locations beyond his hometown. He recognizes the importance of educating the public about recycling practices and hopes to continue spreading awareness while expanding his business empire.
Despite his young age, Ryan Easton’s entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to environmental stewardship serve as an inspiration to both his peers and the wider community.
