Solid waste management practices in Zimbabwe: a case study of one secondary school

Abstract

The discourse on waste management in general and solid waste management in particular has captured the interest of many scholars. Although there is a plethora of literature on the solid waste management phenomenon globally, there is an apparent dearth of literature on solid waste management in schools in Zimbabwe. This study explored the solid waste management practices at a secondary school in Masvingo. The researchers adopted a descriptive survey research design. Data were generated from 110 learners and 3 teachers using questionnaires and interviews. The researchers also utilised observations. Findings from the study revealed that solid waste generated by the school included paper, plastics, furniture, food, vegetables, stationery and cans. In addition, the researchers noted that the school used standard bins, cardboard boxes, plastic bags, old desks and open dumping as solid waste receptacles. The researcher also established that the main solid waste disposal system at the school was open dumping. Other solid waste disposal systems identified in this study were incineration, landfills and composting. Based on the research findings, the researcher recommends waste sorting and use of durable, standard and formal receptacles.