Research into sustainable distribution has largely focused on improving the delivery of products through the supply chain from manufacturer to end customer by developing fundamental understanding of the various supply chain operations at work in urban centres. The logistics activities associated with the return of damaged unsold or returned consumer products back up the supply chain, and the consolidation, handling and disposal of waste products that may result, is becoming of increasing interest in the drive to reduce costs and maximize efficiency within the distribution sector. With the introduction of the EC Directives on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment(wEEE) (2002/96/EC), the Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances(RoHS) in Electrical and Electronic Equipment and Packaging and Packaging Waste(94/62/ the onus is retailers and manufacturers to reduce their waste output and better manage their respective logistics operations in this area. by participating in specific waste take-back schemes. The need to effectively manage product returns as of the supply chain process has become more pronounced since the introduction of the