Last-mile delivery firm Zedify has partnered with environmental consultants Valpak for a zero-carbon battery collection service in Brighton.
The Re-Volt scheme, created by Valpak, supplies battery boxes to UK businesses, including retailers such as Sainsburys, Co-op and M&S. These are then collected by zero-emissions delivery company Zedify, while its riders are distributing packages across the city.
Brighton is the latest scheme following a successful launch in Cambridge, which generated more than three tonnes of batteries.
James Nash, commercial manager at Valpak, said: “The expansion of the zero-carbon scheme to Brighton is proving beneficial already and we’re urging businesses of all sizes to take advantage of the service.
“This is a triple-win for businesses – 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.”
Additionally, the London scheme has already collected over 10 tonnes of batteries, with more businesses signing up in the capital for future collections.
Tom Scruby, national operations manager at Zedify, added: “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.”
According to the partnership, the use of collection vehicles typically results in 298kg of CO2 for every mile, but Zedify’s e-cargo bikes emit zero C02. Using e-cargo bikes also enables the service to avoid congestion and delays caused by waiting in traffic queues.
Nash, continued: “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.”
