Logistics Systems for Recycling - Efficient Collection of Household Waste

This dissertation investigates collection and recycling of household waste with focus on packaging materials. The purpose is how to describe and explain the d esign of a collection system according to different system environments in orde r to achieve high logistics performance in terms of low cost and high service. The research approach consists of two main parts. First, data on existing syst ems are collected and analysed. Then a model is used to analyse cost consequenc es from changes in the system and the environment.<p /> Four main properties of reverse distribution channels were identified including the number of distribution levels and distribution points, whether the system is bring or kerbside, the degree of separation at source and the degree of co- collection. The study further demonstrates that performance can be measured in a number of ways including service toward end-markets and households, costs, en vironmental consequences and programme ratios. Finally, two main environmental factors identified were population density and the number of materials being co llected in the system.<p /> The major conclusion from the study is that systems in areas with low populatio n density should collect and recycle few materials that should be separated at the source and then co-collected. Systems in areas with high population density, on the o ther hand, may collect many materials, but then centralized separation (i.e. processing in a MRF) should take place