Waste Law and Reverse Logistics

Have you seen special waste bins for old batteries in supermarkets? Learn the legal base for it.

Reverse logistics is a concept related to the reuse of products and materials. It is the process of returning goods to the manufecturer instead of proceding the regular final destination (trash). Manufecturers are responsible for a proper final disposal of any dangerous substances that the waste may contain, including all the costs involved in this action, on the other hand they may recover part of the material for their production.

Brazilian Waste Law (12.305/2010) provides a mandatory list of products subjected to reverse logistic, which means, categories of waste that cannot be simply thrown away. The list includes: electronics, batteries, oils, pneumatics, fluorescent bulbs and agrochemicals (and its packaging) and is a non-exhausting list. This products when non-properly disposed may represent health or environmental risks, reason why this obligation has been created and can be applied to other dangerous types of waste.

Therefore, by adopting the reverse logistic we protect environment, value waste/materials and enrich the economic chain. Besides, we promote a more sustainable production, since the manufacturers' responsibility pushes them to plan their products in a way and with specific materials that can be easily reused or recycled.

If you wanna read more about this topic in portuguese, click on: http://substanciaeaparencia.blogspot.com.br/2017/06/logistica-reversa-politica-nacional-de.html