Developing innovative and more sustainable approaches to reverse logistics for the collection, recycling and disposal of waste products from urban centres.

Research into sustainable distribution has largely focused on improving the delivery of products through the supply chain from manufacturer to end customer by developing fundamental understanding of the various supply chain operations at work in an urban centre. Of particular interest has been the potential for multi-user urban transhipment centres to reduce the impacts of large freight vehicles in central areas, and the scope for home delivery and 'local collect' systems to reduce the numbers of vehicle trips made. Little research has been undertaken to understand the logistics which support the running of retail establishments in urban areas, the return of damaged, unsold or returned consumer products to manufacturers, and the consolidation, handling and disposal of waste products and recyclables generated by the retail process. With the introduction of the Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment (WEEE) Directive, and the new classification of hazardous waste products under the Hazardous Waste Regulations, the onus is on retailers and manufacturers to participate in specific waste product take-back schemes. There is therefore a need to address the associated transport impacts these acts could have and develop strategies and processes to mitigate any negative effects.

Urban sustainability may be improved by co-ordinating the collection and movement of customer returns, waste products and recyclables generated by the different retail supply chains in urban centres.  Through the use of case study examples, this work module is focused on developing fundamental understanding of how new technologies and operating practices could contribute to sustainable solutions in this area.

Objectives:

1. Review the characteristics of and decision processes behind the various transport chains which supply core goods and services to, and collect returns and handle waste products from businesses in urban areas.
2. Develop a substantial knowledge base providing a fundamental understanding of the current environmental and social impacts of these collective supply chain operations.
3. Determine the ways in which a range of new technologies and operating practices could mitigate the negative environmental and social impacts of current urban retail distribution systems with respect to product returns and waste collection/recycling.
4. Quantify and appraise the potential impacts of these new technologies and operating practices through simulation and focused demonstration to enable the effects to be understood for subsequent promotion.

Tasks

1. Understanding supply chains delivering core goods and services, handling returns and collecting waste
2. Investigating supply chain interactions and understanding opportunities for improvement through technology and new operating practices
3. Selected implementation of case study demonstrations and evaluation

Actual: