Network optimization in reverse logistics

Reverse logistics is a process that deals with the returned waste materials and used goods. In the first section, the paper gives a brief account of the reverse logistics, and the procedure to process the returned goods in the reverse logistics is explained. On the basis of the processing, several networks in the reverse logistics in literature are introduced. In the second section, it deals with the network optimization of reverse logistics. Starting with building some drop dots and the recycling center site-selection, a model is given to involve in the transportation cost, center investment and redistribution cost to minimize total cost in the chain and maximize the benefit in reverse logistics. At last, the paper closes with on outline of the future perspectives of networks in reverse logistics.