Herefordshire harnesses pedal power as zero-carbon battery collection service ‘Re-Volt’ launches countywide

Hereford businesses are gearing up for the world’s first zero-carbon battery collection service. 

Valpak’s award-winning Re-Volt scheme, which has already been a success in London, Cambridge and Brighton, supplies battery boxes to businesses, which are then collected by Hereford Pedicargo cycle couriers free of charge. The scheme adds to Valpak’s existing battery service, which collects millions of batteries from over 30,000 UK businesses around the UK, including household names such as Sainsburys, Co-op and M&S. 

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

Vicky Ancell, Business Relations Manager at Hereford Pedicargo, said: “This new and exciting scheme provides an easy to access way for local businesses to recycle batteries, all of which is made possible using our network of zero emissions eCargo bikes across the city.” 

The scheme initially launched in Cambridge, where it has generated more than three tonnes of batteries. Following such a positive reaction, London was next to join the movement. Over 10 tonnes of batteries have already been collected, with more customers coming online for future collections. 

While collection vehicles typically tot up 298g of CO2 for every mile, Pedicargo’s eCargo 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. 

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 40,000 tonnes of portable batteries were sold in 2018, with only around 18,000 tonnes being recycled.

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Editors notes

In 2020, Re-Volt won a major award for partnership in the National Recycling Awards.

Valpak is the largest environmental compliance scheme in the UK. It works with major names, such as J Sainsbury’s, ASOS, and Miele, and manages compliance for more than 4,000 businesses. In 2017, it celebrated its 20th anniversary.

In 2018, Valpak was purchased by Reconomy. Reconomy is the UK’s market-leading provider of outsourced recycling and resource management services. It manages approximately 3 million tonnes of waste annually, and works with thousands of UK businesses – from SMEs through to large blue-chip companies – helping them to manage their waste in a responsible, sustainable and cost-effective way. Reconomy principally operates across four key sectors: commercial construction, housebuilding, infrastructure and business & industry.

Valpak services include: 

• compliance under Packaging, WEEE, and Battery Directives; 
• data management services; 
• international compliance; 
• recycling services (total waste management options and solutions for niche materials); 
• consultancy; and, 
• accreditation under environmental schemes, such as Zero Waste to Landfill.

In 2016, following a request from a major retailer, Valpak launched its Data Insight Platform. The platform is a bespoke product which allows customers to scrutinise their supply chains. It can be used to monitor areas such as sustainability in packaging, or to ensure that CSR goals such as the Modern Day Slavery Act are met.