What is Reverse Logistics?
- Definition
- Reverse logistics is the process of moving equipment from end users back to the recycler or manufacturer for disposition, including pickup scheduling, packaging, and transport.
Reverse logistics refers to the flow of goods from the end user back up the supply chain — the opposite of the traditional forward logistics of delivery. In the electronics recycling industry, reverse logistics encompasses everything involved in collecting retired equipment from businesses and transporting it to a processing facility.
A well-organized reverse logistics process includes scheduling pickups at convenient times, providing appropriate packaging or containers (gaylord boxes, pallets, cages), handling loading and transport with insured vehicles, and maintaining chain-of-custody documentation throughout the process.
For businesses, good reverse logistics makes recycling convenient and secure. Free pickup services for qualifying quantities remove the biggest barrier to responsible recycling — the hassle of getting equipment to a recycler. Enterprise ITAD providers often offer nationwide reverse logistics networks, coordinating pickups across multiple locations for companies with distributed offices.
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