Plymouth harnesses pedal power as zero-carbon battery collection service launches

Valpak’s award-winning Re-Volt scheme has already been a success in London, Cambridge, Brighton, and Hereford. In Plymouth, Valpak will supply battery boxes to businesses throughout the city. These are then collected free of charge by Zedify cycle couriers whilst they’re delivering packages across the city. The scheme adds to Valpak’s existing battery service, which collects millions of batteries from over 30,000 businesses around the UK, including household names such as Sainsbury’s, Co-op, and M&S.

James Nash, Commercial Manager at Valpak, the environmental company behind the scheme, said: “The expansion of the zero-carbon service to Plymouth is gathering pace already and we’re urging businesses of all sizes to take advantage of the scheme. This is a triple-win for businesses – ensuring batteries are recycled correctly, helping them to reduce their carbon footprint and, importantly, making sure enough batteries are recycled each year to allow retailers to meet their environmental compliance obligations.”

Tom Scruby, National Operations Manager at Zedify, said: “The partnership between Valpak and Zedify has been an unparalleled success, proving that zero-emission vehicles complete city centre collections of this type more efficiently than diesel vehicles. We have only received positive feedback from customers and local authorities alike.

 

“Plymouth companies want to adapt their practices to more environmental methods. The Re-Volt battery collection means Zedify uses bicycles to collect batteries, making the collections zero carbon. It cancels out vehicle emissions, increases the recycling waste stream of batteries, and reduces pollution, making the city a better place to live, and benefiting all.”

The scheme was initially launched in Cambridge and has generated more than three tonnes of batteries to date. Following such a positive reaction to the world-first scheme, London was next to welcome the zero-carbon collection service. The capital has already collected over 10 tonnes of batteries, with more customers coming online for future collections.

While collection vehicles typically tot up 298kg of CO₂ for every mile, Zedify’s bikes emit zero C02, no matter how many journeys they take. They also help to avoid congestion and delays caused by waiting in traffic queues.

James Nash said: “The aim is to include battery removal as an additional service for existing delivery customers. As well as slashing emissions, the scheme helps to attract new sources of waste batteries, which drives greater volumes for recycling.”

In the UK, around 43,000 tonnes of portable batteries were sold in 2021, with only around 18,000 tonnes being recycled.

To receive a free battery collection box serviced by Zedify, businesses should contact the national Valpak Customer Helpline on 03450 682572.