The main advantage of performing the selective collection is the reduction or even extinction of the cost of separating the materials in the pre-recycling phase. Already the main difficulty is the segmentation of the many types of existing materials and installation of collectors in all households and establishments.

In the streets, it is more common to find trash cans than segmented color collectors. The city’s garbage collection system also does not favor the practice of selective collection, since, in general, it does not provide the possibility of garbage collection in separate containers.

Thus, even if people separate the garbage in their homes, the material ends up mingling in the truck.

What are the advantages and difficulties of reverse logistics?

The most crucial advantage of reverse logistics is the significant reduction or even elimination of untreated waste in nature. Already the main difficulty is related to the high cost of implementation, which can, in many cases, also make the company’s main business unfeasible.

If there were a particular collection program in most establishments as well as in homes, reverse logistics would be much simpler, and the concept could be applied to several industry sectors, not just to some considered critical today.

Waste separation programs in companies and condominiums have opened up numerous possibilities for the practice of reverse logistics, but there is still a lot to be done.

It would be interesting if any company developed a technology or business model that would also allow the practice of this type of logistics, with collection points for non-condominium residences.

As we have seen, the main difference between selective collection and reverse logistics is in the concept. While one is just a procedure of separation and disposal of waste, the other focuses on making these an integral part of the industrial production process.

The selective collection is thus part of the reverse logistics process, being in practice, its first stage.