The Role of Stakeholders in Reverse Supply Chain of EOL Mobile Phone Recycling for Developing Sustainable E-waste Management: Bangladesh Perspective

Abstract

Rapid growth of technology including disruptive innovations, and a
high rate of obsolescence in the electronics industry have led to one of the
fastest growing waste streams in the world which consist of end of life (EOL)
electrical and electronic products. Bangladesh, one of the surging consumer
markets of electrical and electronic products primarily due to its move from
lower to lower middle income country is generating substantial amount of ewaste
which may pose serious threats to the environment of this nation. The
devastating nature of this threat is yet to be acknowledged adequately by the
academic and practical research community despite the global insistence and
appeal of managing the electronic waste (e-waste). Bangladesh is lagging
behind to conduct impactful theory based academic research relating to the
management of electronic waste. At this outset, this study examines the role of
reverse supply chain members and their capabilities in end-of-life (EOL) mobile
phones management which has a significant impact on the efficiency of
processing recyclable electrical and electronic materials. The study uses a
modified customer visit program based on 30 in-depth interview and current
literature to identify supply chain members, their functions and issues affecting
the reverse logistics flow of recyclable EOL mobile phones. The findings of the
study demonstrate the logistics channel structure, stakeholders and functions,
which may work as a foundation for identifying the issues affecting the efficiency
and marketability of the existing reverse supply chain of EOL mobile phones.