Investigation of Barriers and Factors Affecting the Reverse Logistics of Waste Management Practice: A Case Study in Thailand

Sumalee Pumpinyo,Vilas Nitivattananon

doi:10.3390/su6107048

Abstract

Economic growth in developing countries accelerated waste generation, and Thailand also is experiencing issues related to increased waste generation and improper waste management. The country’s domestic waste utilization is only 20%–26%. Efficient waste management and increased quantity of waste utilization is possible only by overcoming problems and constraints in reverse logistics (RL) systems in Thailand. To address these issues and constraints, this study aims to focus the investigation on the current practices in the RL systems. The study was conducted in Bangkok and its vicinity. An integrated approach of qualitative and quantitative methods was employed to investigate the systems’ and stakeholders’ characteristics and to explore the factors influencing and constraining RL practices. Data were gathered through: (1) existing literature and in-depth interviews of key stakeholders involved in RL; and (2) a questionnaire survey of 98 managers of separation centers (SCs) probing their practices and studying the factors influencing those practices. The findings showed that RL systems can be separated into three levels, i.e., downstream, middle stream and upstream. SCs are key stakeholders in RL of waste management, and they collect waste from downstream, manage waste in a systematic way and send it upstream. The factors influencing and the barriers in the flow of recyclable waste are related to environmental, economic and social aspects. The analysis shows that waste managed by a cooperative-like franchise of SCs perceived that their practices were more efficient than those of a non-franchise practices. Additionally, these SCs have more bargaining power with waste buyers and sellers to set prices in the RL system. The constraints in RL practice are related to finance, market, labor, management/technology and legal issues.

Highlights

The poor state of solid waste management in cities of developing countries is fast becoming a social and environmental problem
A questionnaire survey was used to collect opinions of personnel working in separation centers (SCs) about key factors that are important in Reverse logistics (RL) practice
RL practices in Thailand are mostly performed by an informal sector that can be classified as downstream, middle stream and upstream

Summary

Introduction

The poor state of solid waste management in cities of developing countries is fast becoming a social and environmental problem. In this regard, there has been continuous promotion of recycling-oriented practices to ensure sustainable growth by reducing the consumption of natural resources and lessening environmental burdens. Reverse logistics (RL) is the process of planning, implementing and controlling an efficient and cost effective flow of raw materials, in-process inventory, finished goods and related information from the point of consumption to the point of origin for the purpose of recapturing value or proper disposal [1]. The role of logistics is in terms of production returns, source reduction, materials reuse, recycling and replacement, waste disposal, clean up, repair and remanufacturing [2]. Reverse flow characteristics had uncertain paths, and RL channels might take several forms depending on waste size and volume, distance from markets, stakeholders and their experience [3]

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Conclusion