Keywords
reverse logistics
mathematical model
optimization
medical waste desechos sanitarios
logística inversa
modelo matemático
optimización
residuos médicos
How to Cite
Abstract
Reverse logistics has emerged as a practice that responds to the growing need to improve the way in which waste generated in different industries is managed, whether for economic, environmental or legal reasons. In the case of medical waste, particular care must be taken due to its hazardous nature, so proper management of this type of waste not only has economic and environmental implications, but also safety implications. This article develops a literature review to identify and synthesize the main solutions proposed in reverse logistics processes related to this type of waste, as well as the proposed mathematical models and their main considerations. The review showed an increase in the publication of articles on this topic after the COVID-19 pandemic and identified that Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) is the predominant technique to address the creation of reverse logistics networks in this field, which requires optimal planning to collect, separate, treat, recycle and dispose of medical waste.
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