Reverse Logistics Channels: An Exploratory Study for Household Waste Collection

Abstract

Collection and recycling of post-consumer waste in a cost-efficient manner with an acceptable service level are of increasing interest in business practices as well as in research. Because it is a new topic in Turkey, yet there is no enough concern and study about waste collection within the framework of channel structure and logistics management. This study attempts to explore the current situation of household waste collection channel structures in the metropolitan area of the city of Izmir, Turkey. An exploratory study was implemented in order to identify the recycling activities, collection activities and logistics functions of household waste collection. A sample of related participants was interviewed in the metropolitan area of the city of Izmir in order to define the functions and structures. As a result of this study, reverse logistics channel structures were determined. In addition to that, suggestions for the improvement of these channels were discussed with regard to the service level and total cost.
Keywords: Household waste, Logistics, Reverse logistics, Turkey.