Analysis of the transport efficiency of reverse logistics in Japan

Along with growing concerns about the limit of final waste disposal sites and the finiteness of natural resources, increasing attention has been given to building a material recycling society. However, in the situation of Japan, the lack of efficient reverse logistics such as integrated waste collection and intermodal waste transport systems is a major barrier to the promotion of waste recycling. In order to understand the current situation and issues of reverse logistics for waste management, this paper first quantitatively analyses the characteristics of reverse logistics in Japan, and in particular examines the transportation mode choice by comparing with that of forward logistics. Based on the results of the analysis, current issues in cooperative transport and the modal shift to marine and railway transport are discussed.