recyclehero - heroically sustainable
20.02.2024 - The Hamburg-based company recyclehero is revolutionising the idea of the local circular economy by collecting old clothes and other recyclable materials - a simple and effective approach based on convenience, sustainability and social responsibility. Thanks to strong partnerships and ambitious expansion plans, the business model has already been expanded in many cities throughout Germany. A closer look at recyclehero shows that sustainability is realised on several levels.
The concept behind recyclehero is as simple as it is ingenious: waste paper, waste glass and even old clothes are collected directly from your home. The service can be booked on the website as a subscription model, for old clothes always as an on-demand option. "Many customers in Hamburg opt for the subscription model as it is practical and enables regular collections. We provide them with reusable boxes in which recyclable materials can be collected," explains Hannah Ernst, Content Marketing & Communications Manager at recyclehero. As soon as the box is full, it is collected by cargo cyclists. At the same time, new boxes are made available to continue collecting. The riders now ensure that the collected recyclables are disposed of safely and efficiently. "The trained colleagues are familiar with the emptying intervals for public containers and know exactly where and when there is space. We work closely with the City of Hamburg in this regard and are proud to be recognised there as an official environmental partner," adds Hannah Ernst.
From a shared kitchen to a nationwide recycling player
The idea for recyclehero was born in the shared kitchen of co-founders Nadine Herbrich and Alessandro Cocco in 2018. In view of the growing piles of waste paper, used glass and deposits on their balcony, they envisioned a collection service that would not only be convenient, but also sustainable and socially responsible. This original idea quickly developed into an ambitious goal: to pave the way towards an optimised local circular economy. Recyclehero began modestly, with the co-founders initially renting cargo bikes and personally riding through the streets to collect recyclables. After recognising the potential, they officially registered the company in 2020. Today, recyclehero operates with more than 20 employees who work not only in Hamburg, but also in Berlin and Munich. The services are also available through logistics partners in the cities of Cologne, Frankfurt and Bonn.
The company offers a wide range of services, including the collection of used paper, used glass and used clothing. Particularly noteworthy is their focus on used clothing, for which they offer a free collection service and return it to local cycles through cooperation with local second-hand shops and aid organisations.
Cooperations for more social sustainability
Recyclehero not only pursues the goal of environmentally friendly waste disposal, but is also actively involved in social projects. One outstanding example of this is the WärmBert project, in which hot water bottles are distributed to homeless people to give them some warmth during the cold winter months. This social responsibility is reflected in the partnership with organisations such as Hanseatic Help e. V., which make a significant contribution to supporting those in need. "At recyclehero, social commitment is at the centre of what we do as a social impact start-up. In addition to our main business, we actively support projects that have a positive impact on disadvantaged groups. We not only support existing aid initiatives, but also make our own resources available, such as hot water bottles," explains Hannah Ernst.
Expansion for more ecological sustainability
Recyclehero has also expanded its reach through strategic partnerships with companies and logistics service providers. Local second-hand shops such as 2nd Fit are part of this network. Partnerships with logistics companies such as pickshare and VEMO help recyclehero to advance its mission of a locally orientated circular economy nationwide.
Hannah Ernst emphasises the importance of this partner network for recyclehero's nationwide expansion: "The planned expansion of our business model to other German cities and the expansion of our service portfolio, for example by collecting mobile phones, are part of recyclehero's efforts to give everyone access to sustainable recycling and strengthen the circular economy."
Future plans and innovation
Recyclehero's latest ambitions are to expand its services in rural areas. The company is testing a dispatch system for the collection of used clothing in order to reach remote areas and enable nationwide use. "We are convinced that there is also considerable potential beyond the metropolises to promote the circular economy, especially locally," explains Hannah Ernst.
The example of recyclehero shows how important it is for companies today to focus not only on economic, but also on ecological and social aspects. At a time when environmental protection and social responsibility are increasingly taking centre stage, consumers are looking for brands that take a holistic approach. Recyclehero remains true to its vision of reducing environmental impact, promoting the circular economy and creating a positive social impact. With ambitious expansion plans and a clear commitment to innovation and sustainability, recyclehero is definitely on its way to becoming an even more significant player in the field of environmentally conscious recycling.
Cover picture: Ketut Subiyanto/Pexels
