Domestic and Solid Waste Management in Zvishavane Town in Zimbabwe: A Case Study of Mandava Township

Abstract

This study seeks to determine the forms of waste management in Zvishavane town council. Main objectives of the study were to determine the forms of waste in Mandava township; to establish the level of waste collection and disposal in Mandava township; to determine the status of Zvishavane town council dumpsite; and to determine challenges faced by Zvishavane town council in waste management. The study used a mixed approach employing elements of both quantitative and qualitative research designs. One hundred residents were sampled for the study. The study established that there is poor waste management in Zvishavane town council. Waste mostly generated in Mandava township is in the form of plastics, food waste, paper, biomass and metallic. Waste collection is very erratic, and sometimes residents would go for two or more weeks without waste collection by the responsible authority. This has consequently led residents to take alternative measures in order to manage domestic waste. These include burning, burying and illegal dumping. It was also established that Zvishavane town council is failing to provide refuse collection bins to residents. The study recommends residents and all stakeholders involvement and partnerships with the NGOs and the business community in the management of waste in the town council.

Key words: Domestic waste, solid waste, waste management, waste collection, waste disposal.