A bi-objective model for sustainable logistics and operations planning of WEEE recovery

Abstract

The Triple-bottom-line concept suggests that firms must consider the environmental and social impacts of their decisions, beside the economic aspects. Hence, the sustainability of the firms’ operations can be reached. The purpose of this study is to develop a bi-objective, multi-product and multi-period mixed-integer model for the operations planning of electrical-electronic waste (WEEE) recovery facilities, by considering social (workforce) constraints. Main objective is the minimization of net recycling and logistics costs offset by the profit earned by recovered material sales, and second objective is the maximization of hazardous materials recovery.  Collection of used products from the specified regions is decided and the required machine-hours, inventory and workforce decisions are made. Besides, both weight-based and unit-based WEEE recovery targets are separately considered, as a unique aspect. A sensitivity analysis is conducted with various scrap prices to understand operations planning in changing conditions. Results show that weight-based targets enhance recovery amounts.