Title: Designing a sustainable recovery network for waste from electrical and electronic equipment using a genetic algorithm

Authors: Sajjad Shokouhyar; Armin Aalirezaei

Addresses: Department of Information Technology, Management and Accounting Faculty, Shahid Beheshti University, G.C. Tehran, Iran ' Department of Industrial Engineering, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran

Abstract: In recent years, reverse logistic and closed-loop supply chain issues have became more important due to environmental, social and economic reasons. Product recovery which comprises recycling, remanufacturing, repairing and disposing requires an efficient reverse logistic network. Among used products, waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) has become a major problem for developing countries due to its harmful effects. WEEE contains hazardous materials that may have an impact on both environment and human health if it is properly managed. On the contrary, valuable materials can be extracted if it is controlled properly. Therefore, decision makers should give consideration to design an efficient reverse logistic network to manage WEEE. In this paper, a mathematical model of two-stage RL network has been developed based on sustainable development objectives in which economic, environmental and social objectives are considered simultaneously. A multi objective genetic algorithm (MOGA) is developed to determine the best locations of collection centres and recycling plants. In result, the decision makers can make the trade-off between environmental issues and economic and social impacts. The proposed model is examined through a real case from Iran's WEEE current situation.

Keywords: reverse logistics; multi objective genetic algorithms; MOGA; NSGA-II; waste electrical and electronic equipment; sustainable development; sustainability; recovery networks; product recovery; developing countries; hazardous materials; mathematical modelling; network design; WEEE collection centres; recycling plants; facility location; environmental impact; economic impact; social impact; Iran.

DOI: 10.1504/IJESD.2017.080851

International Journal of Environment and Sustainable Development, 2017 Vol.16 No.1, pp.60 - 79

Received: 29 Jul 2015
Accepted: 13 Mar 2016
Published online: 09 Dec 2016 *

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