Sustainable e-waste management supported by waste collection vehicle routing problem: A case of Vietnam recycles

Abstract

The concept of the reverse value chain aims to extend the lifespan of products beyond their end-of-use stage through repair, reuse, and recycling activities. This thesis focuses on e-waste management, specifically exploring the network of Vietnam Recycles to establish an e-waste collection process based on the principles of the reverse value chain. By adopting this approach, the e-waste industry can play a vital role in promoting circular economy practices. The thesis commences by reviewing existing research on the reverse value chain and presenting a conceptual framework that outlines the key processes involved, such as collection, pre-treatment, and value recovery. To investigate the e-waste reverse value chain quantitatively, the Waste Collection Vehicle Routing Problem is employed, and a mathematical model formulation strengthens the theoretical framework. Both Mixed Integer Linear Programming and Nearest Neighbor Algorithms are utilized to optimize the e-product collection process. This study contributes theoretical insights and practical implications for sustainable e-waste management, suggesting ways to enhance current practices while also providing a basis for future research in the field.