Efficiency in the collection and transport of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) is important for economic and environmental reasons. A detailed analysis of the logistical- and cost-effectiveness of the collection and transport of WEEE in Norway reveals regional geography to be a particularly important factor; it varies significantly across the country and heavily influences the cost of collection. The paper explores the influence of this, along with other parameters relating to operational effectiveness and customer service. Implications for all the key actors in the WEEE collection and transport business are outlined.

Inefficiency in complex reverse-logistical operations, such as the collection and transport of various wastes, can often be traced to two related factors. Adversarial and arms-length relationships between service providers and customers are commonplace, alongside surprisingly limited understanding of the cost base. This study investigated transparency and shared understanding as drivers for higher efficiency and lower costs. Observation and intervention in contractual negotiations was combined with analyses of cost and sensitivity, and a post-contractual transparency exercise with bidders where findings were shared with all parties. The work yielded both immediate efficiency gains and a longer-term infrastructure for cost evaluation and negotiation. Ongoing work is extending the approach into yet more complex and broader areas of municipal waste management.