A Stochastic Programming Approach with Improved Multi-Criteria Scenario-Based Solution Method for Sustainable Reverse Logistics Design of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)

Abstract

Today, the increased public concern about sustainable development and more stringent environmental regulations have become important driving forces for value recovery from end-of-life and end-of use products through reverse logistics. Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) contains both valuable components that need to be recycled and hazardous substances that have to be properly treated or disposed of, so the design of a reverse logistics system for sustainable treatment of WEEE is of paramount importance. This paper presents a stochastic mixed integer programming model for designing and planning a generic multi-source, multi-echelon, capacitated, and sustainable reverse logistics network for WEEE management under uncertainty. The model takes into account both economic efficiency and environmental impacts in decision-making, and the environmental impacts are evaluated in terms of carbon emissions. A multi-criteria two-stage scenario-based solution method is employed and further developed in this study for generating the optimal solution for the stochastic optimization problem. The proposed model and solution method are validated through a numerical experiment and sensitivity analyses presented later in this paper, and an analysis of the results is also given to provide a deep managerial insight into the application of the proposed stochastic optimization model.

Reverse Logistics Network Design for Effective Management of Medical Waste in Epidemic Outbreaks: Insights from the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Outbreak in Wuhan (China)

“…With the implementation of different techniques, these decision-support models focused mainly on the optimization of economic efficiency [25][26][27][28], environmental impact [23,[28][29][30], potential job creation as well as other socio-economic impact factors [31]. The effectiveness of these optimization models and computational methods have been validated in a large variety of industries and business sectors [32][33][34][35].…”

“…The model is restricted by Equations (5)- (35). (5) and (6) calculate the uncollected amount of medical waste at each hospital by the end of each period.…”

Optimizing the WEEE Recovery Network Associated with Environmental Protection Awareness and Government Subsidy by Nonlinear Mixed Integer Programming

“…Erhan Erkut constructed a multiobjective mixed integer linear programming model and used this model to derive a "fair" uncompensated solution that can balance economic and environmental benefits at the same time [17]. Hao formulated a multisource, multilevel and sustainable reverse logistics network of WEEE management by a random mixed integer programming model under uncertain environment [18], where a multicriteria two-stage scenario solution was used to describe an optimal solution of the stochastic optimization model. Achillas formulated a design problem of reverse logistics network by a mixed integer linear programming mathematical model, where the existing infrastructure of collection points and recycling facilities were considered [19].…”

“…(2) ,(11) ,(12) ,(13) ,(14) ,(15) ,(16),(17) ,(18) ,(19) ,(20) ,(21) ,(22) , (23) ,(24) ,(25) ,(26) and(27) .…”

Waste Management System for Batteries

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