Reverse Logistics Using a Multi-depot VRP Approach for Recycling End-of-Life Consumer Electronic Products in South Korea

With ever increasing end-of-life (EOL) consumer electronic (CE) products, it is critical to efficiently perform their reverse logistics of collecting and recycling in South Korea. In this article, we introduce a multi-depot vehicle-routing method to minimize the total distance traveled for the collection of EOL products by local authorities and major manufacturers, and delivery to four regional recycling centers (RCs). As a solution procedure for the problem, we utilized a two-stage solution procedure. Computational results using actual field data show that the new method considerably reduces the transportation distance and cost. Finally, we conclude the article with some policy implications.