Designing a Reverse Supply Chain Network for WEEE: An IoT Framework with Legislative Considerations

The rapid growth of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) presents critical environmental and social challenges, emphasizing the urgent need for effective reuse and recycling solutions. This study develops a comprehensive reverse supply chain network design model for WEEE, with the dual objectives of minimizing total costs and environmental pollution. The proposed multi-echelon network includes retailers, collection centers, recycling facilities, and disposal sites, where e-waste undergoes collection, inspection, sorting, and routing based on quality assessments. To align with legal and regulatory frameworks, the model incorporates government regulations, ensuring compliance with mandated collection targets and supporting Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) initiatives. An Internet of Things (IoT)-based framework is integrated into the model to enhance operational efficiency through real-time waste tracking, improved transparency, and data-driven decision-making. The study applies the Augmented Epsilon Constraint Method to solve the multi-objective optimization problem, highlighting trade-offs between cost reduction and emission minimization. Results indicate that IoT integration not only enhances environmental performance but also significantly improves cost efficiency, making it a valuable tool for sustainable waste management. The findings contribute to advancing circular economy principles by promoting resource conservation, reducing waste, and fostering a more sustainable and efficient reverse supply chain network for WEEE.

کلیدواژه ها:

Reverse Supply Chain ، Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) ، Multi-Period ، Legislation ، Internet of Things (IoT) ، Augmented Epsilon Constraint Method