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 for sustainable development and more stringent environmental regulations have become the most 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, so the design of 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 of WEEE under uncertainties. The model takes into account of both economic efficiency and environmental impacts in decision-making, and the environmental impacts are evaluated by carbon emission. A multi-criteria two-stage scenario-based solution method is employed and further developed in this study for generating the optimal solution of the stochastic optimization problem The proposed model and solution method are validated through a numerical experiment and sensitivity analyses presented latter in this paper, and analysis of the result is also given for providing a deep managerial insight of the application of the proposed stochastic optimization model.