Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
4471414 Waste Management 2015 13 Pages PDF
Abstract

•We developed a network model for reverse flows of end-of-life vehicles.•The model considers all recovery operations for end-of-life vehicles.•A scenario-based model is used for uncertainty to improve real case applications.•The model is adequate to real case applications for end-of-life vehicles recovery.•Considerable insights are gained from the model by sensitivity analyses.

Product recovery operations are of critical importance for the automotive industry in complying with environmental regulations concerning end-of-life products management. Manufacturers must take responsibility for their products over the entire life cycle. In this context, there is a need for network design methods for effectively managing recovery operations and waste. The purpose of this study is to develop a mathematical programming model for managing reverse flows in end-of-life vehicles’ recovery network. A reverse flow is the collection of used products from consumers and the transportation of these products for the purpose of recycling, reuse or disposal. The proposed model includes all operations in a product recovery and waste management network for used vehicles and reuse for vehicle parts such as collection, disassembly, refurbishing, processing (shredding), recycling, disposal and reuse of vehicle parts. The scope of the network model is to determine the numbers and locations of facilities in the network and the material flows between these facilities. The results show the performance of the model and its applicability for use in the planning of recovery operations in the automotive industry. The main objective of recovery and waste management is to maximize revenue and minimize pollution in end-of-life product operations. This study shows that with an accurate model, these activities may provide economic benefits and incentives in addition to protecting the environment.

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Physical Sciences and Engineering Earth and Planetary Sciences Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
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