A Reverse Logistics Model For Recovery Options Of E-waste Considering the Integration of the Formal and Informal Waste Sectors

Wastes coming from electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) known as e-waste is a major concern because of its alarming increase as well as the hazardous substances within them that could cause harm on humans and the environment if not properly treated. In developing countries, e-waste is collected and recycled by the Informal waste sector (IWS) who neither have the proper training nor the proper equipment/facility. This makes reverse logistics of e-waste and the integration of the IWS to the formal waste sector necessary to minimize the mentioned negative effects. A mixed integer multi-objective linear programming reverse logistics model was developed in this study to integrate the two waste sectors and address the economic, environmental and health issues brought about by e-waste through the use of different recovery options. The model was able to generate generalizations of when it would be appropriate to use certain options or certain combination of options especially regarding the amount to be given to the IWS as compensation for no longer treating and for integrating with the formal waste sector. It was also found that mandating producers to treat very large amounts of e-wastes may force them to use the IWSs more as treatment facilities (C) 2012 Published by Elsevier Ltd. Selection and/or peer-review under responsibility of the Asia Pacific Business Innovation and Technology Management Society