Abstract

E-waste reverse logistics initiatives in important industrial economies like India, China and Brazil show that specific models of reverse logistics, adapted to local reality, are required in developing countries. This research objective is to discuss the main challenges and opportunities for the implementation of the reverse logistics Brazilian model for computers and cell phones. Methodological procedures included 21 in-depth interviews with multiple stakeholders including government, manufacturers, retailers, recycling companies, waste picker organizations and academics. Results show the importance of the new regulation to enhance the dialogue among the members of the electro electronic supply chain for the development of the Brazilian model of reverse logistics. However technological gaps in recycling e-waste within the country, its continental dimension, taxation challenges and conflicts between waste picker organizations and the industry are challenges for the Brazilian model success.

​

In recent years, e-waste reverse logistics (RL) has gained recognition both by academics and practitioners. Drivers for RL include the rapid growth of e-waste, the evolution of environmental legislation, and the increase in consumer pressure for social corporate responsibility (Lau, this context has generated different models of RL in developed countries. In contrast, e-waste RL in developing counties is still in a preliminary stage. Initiatives in emerging economies like India, China and Brazil show that specific models must be adapted to local reality. The emerging model of RL in these countries is forced to cope with the lack of appropriate legislation and economic incentives, low public awareness, unbranded products and informal street waste pickers who are responsible for the increase in e-waste collection and processing with little regard to health, safety and environmental protection (Schlep et al., 2009.