Environmental advantages of the reverse logistics: a case study in the batteries collection in Brazil

Geraldo Cardoso De Oliveira Neto,Auro Jesus Cardoso Correia,Mauro Silva Ruiz,Henrique Manoel Riane Mendes

doi:10.1590/0103-6513.20170098

Geraldo Cardoso De Oliveira Neto, Auro Jesus Cardoso Correia + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/0103-6513.20170098

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Journal: Produção	Publication Date: Jul 2, 2018
Citations: 8	License type: cc-by

Affiliation: Universidade Nove de Julho

Abstract

Abstract Paper aims Evaluate the environmental advantages of the Reverse Logistics of Portable Batteries carried out by the Brazilian Electrical and Electronics Industry Association (ABINEE). Originality The adoption of reverse logistics of batteries contributed with the minimization of environmental impact and stimulated the manufacturers of electronics in the adhesion of sector agreement as well as strengthened the players of reverse chain. Research method A case study was developed by means of interviews and documental analysis, and for data analysis, the mass balance was carried. Main findings 4,304,465 batteries were collected, representing 176,422kg of both solid and chemical wastes, which were disposed properly, reducing the environmental impact. Implications for theory and practice The theoretical contribution consists in environmental assessment by means of mass balance of the adoption of reverse logistics of batteries, and the practical contribution consists in stimulating the electronic manufacturers to develop social license among the community, government and players of reverse chain.

Highlights

The increase in the consumption of electronic products generates e-waste at its end-of-life, resulting in environmental impact
The adoption of reverse logistics allowed the collection of 4,304,465 post consumed batteries, resulting in the minimization of environmental impact in 150,671 kg of solid waste and 25,751 kg of chemical waste
This research contributed to the mass balance measurement of hazardous components in batteries, as well as evidenced that reverse logistics of batteries can reduce the environmental impact

Summary

Introduction

The increase in the consumption of electronic products generates e-waste at its end-of-life, resulting in environmental impact. The management of e-waste, considering the appropriate final disposal, is of interest of the government, shareholders and consumers. It is important that companies manage e-waste through reverse logistics to comply with the government legislation and minimization of the environmental pollution for the society. Reverse Logistics, according to Rogers & Tibben-Lembke (1998), is understood as the process of planning, implementing and controlling, including raw materials and discarded products, in which the final destination is the pursuit of return to business cycle. The National Solid Waste Policy (NSWP) indicates that the reverse logistics for Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) stimulates the return of products at the end-of-life by consumers, distributors, manufacturers and importers for the appropriate disposal for recycling and reuse (Brasil, 2010). Reverse logistics of batteries stimulates existing collection and recycling initiatives at the national, state and local levels, as provided by the NSWP under Law No 12,305/2010 (Brasil, 2010) and CONAMA Resolution No 401/2008 from Brasil (2008)

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