Pilot project for structuring the Minas Gerais’ Reverse Logistics network

Abstract

Reverse Logistics is defined in the National Solid Waste Policy (Law 12305/2010) as the “return of products after use by the consumer, independently of the public urban cleaning and solid waste management service” which must be carried out by manufacturers, importers, distributors and traders of packaging and pesticide residues; cells and batteries; tires; packaging and waste of lubricating oils; fluorescent, sodium and mercury vapor and mixed light lamps; and electronic products and their components. Minas Gerais is the fourth largest Brazilian state with the largest number of municipalities, characterized by its large size and population dispersion. Of the 853 municipalities in Minas Gerais, 80% are considered small municipalities, with a population of less than 25 thousand inhabitants, which are not regularly served by reverse logistics (IBGE, 2010). The Minas Gerais’ Reverse Logistics Network is an initiative proposed for the development of a strategy for implementing reverse logistics in all municipalities, including small ones. A pilot project was developed in 17 municipalities, with the joint action of reverse logistics institutions in itinerant collection campaigns, with the centralization of waste to optimize collection and transportation logistics. This article presents the results of the surveys carried out to characterize the 42 tons of waste collected and the strategies employed for popular mobilization and participation, in order to provide information and consolidate a proposal for the implementation of Reverse Logistics in Minas Gerais, ensuring broad coverage of the state.