Geographic Positioning and Flow Management for Electric and Electronic Equipment Waste (e-waste): Case of Chile and Generalizations for South-American Countries

Abstract

Logistics is historically defined as the tool to provide the necessary commodities in a timely manner. Today, logistics is not only responsible for supplying, but also for the recovery and transformation of various products. In this context, electrical-electronic waste is toxic and pollutes the environment. Therefore, governments, under international regulations, must define public policies for its collection, collection and recovery. The proposed methodology is based on a quantitative case study and follows 5 steps: Analysis of the context and background, based on secondary data processing, data retrieval and processing, data geolocation, indicator construction and analysis and generalization. The positioning and flow management for these products by private companies in Chile is presented. The volumes and type of waste, allows to visualize how South America is 30 years behind Europe. The study highlights the role that governments and private companies should have to mitigate the environmental effects. The study generated showed that from 2014 to date the number of recycling points for plastic, glass, cans, cardboard and, above all, large and small electrical and electronic items, have increased satisfactorily. The study shows the need to collaborate directly with the central government authorities.