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INTRODUCTION
The reverse logistics channels used for recycling differ in several respects from forward logistics flows. Recyclable material does not necessarily flow backwards through the same channel. Instead, a reverse channel has emerged to accumulate, transport, and process the material for remanufacture into a recycled product. The reverse flow does not follow clearly defined paths, and the reverse channel may take several forms based on individual channel members' volume, size, experience and proximity to end markets.
Recycling has encountered significant problems, resulting from the rapid growth in recycling programmes and the logistical costs of processing the material through the reverse channel. The US annually generates 157.7 million tons of municipal solid waste 1!, but landfill sites have declined from 18,000 in 1985 to 9,000 in 1989, and are expected to fall to under 4,500 in the early 1990s 2!. Municipalities view recycling as a viable alternative to the increasing costs of landfills 3, p. 178!, and recycling programmes have experienced explosive growth. However, the reverse channels for recyclable material remain largely unable efficiently to process the recyclable material due to differing product characteristics, labor-intensive handling and low-density shipments. Despite its impact on recycling and landfill space, the reverse channels' membership, functions, issues and courses for future direction have remained relatively unnoticed.
SCOPE/METHODOLOGY
A survey of current literature and interviews with several state government officials and recycling companies provided the foundation for developing a framework of the reverse logistics channels used for recycling. The research primarily focused on issues affecting the recycling of plastics; however, the channel flows, membership, functions and issues equally apply to other recyclable commodities. The interviews included six in-depth discussions regarding the structure and functions within the reverse channel. Individuals interviewed included the education and research manager at the Division of Litter Prevention and Recycling, Ohio Department of Natural Resources; the environmental and consumer affairs assistant for solid waste management of a major corporation actively involved in recycling; the president of a firm manufacturing products composed of recyclable products; a marketing representative of a firm specializing in collecting recyclable material and manufacturing recycled products; and a broker and an account representative from the largest recycling firm in the state of Ohio. The study also incorporates findings obtained from several personal contacts made...