A survey of current literature and interviews with several state government officials and recycling companies provided the foundation for developing a framework of the reverse logistics channels used for recycling. The research primarily focused on issues affecting the recycling of plastics; however, the channel flows, membership, functions and issues equally apply to other recyclable commodities. The interviews included six indepth discussions regarding the structure and functions within the reverse channel. Individuals interviewed included the education and research manager at the Division of Litter Prevention and Recycling, Ohio Department of Natural Resources; the environmental and consumer affairs assistant for solid waste management of a major corporation actively involved in recycling; the president of a firm manufacturing
products composed of recyclable products; a marketing representative of a firm specializing in collecting recyclable material and manufacturing recycled products; and a broker and an account representative from the largest recycling firm in the state of Ohio. The study also incorporates findings obtained from several personal contacts made during a major environmental trade exposition.