Lokal avfallshåndtering skaper løsninger

Verdens plastproduksjon har doblet seg de siste 20 årene, med tilsvarende økning i mengden plastavfall. I Mbare, en av Harares tettest befolkede forsteder, har det lokale selskapet ALITAB etablert småskala stasjoner for å sikre lokal avfallshåndtering i krevende kår.

Published: 18.February, 2025
Last updated: 05.December, 2025

Zimbabwe has not had sufficient capacity to manage the waste generated in the country, and areas like Mbare are severely affected by resulting plastic litter. The Norwegian Retailers' Environment Fund financed ALITAB's waste management in 2021 to contribute to a solution. This ensured the continuation of two stations - one for the collection and cleaning of plastic waste, and another for the recycling of the plastics.

Aerial view of Mbare — Mbare from the air.

From Waste to Value

In 2019, a survey of waste volume was conducted at approximately 25,000 households in Mbare, organized by Doctors Without Borders. The survey provided deeper insights into both types and volumes of waste, which were followed by information campaigns to educate residents about source-sorting and waste management.

In collaboration with Doctors Without Borders, ALITAB trained local workers to operate a plastic sorting facility, where they sort, wash, and dry plastic waste before further processing.

Women hand-washing plastics — Employees at ALITAB hand-washing plastics (usually done with gloves).

Once the plastic is washed and dried, it is sent to a nearby recycling station where it is ground and melted into raw materials that can be sold, either as pellets or in rolls. ALITAB also makes marketable products from the recycled plastics.

“The more waste, especially plastic, we collect from the ground, the better it is for the local recycling project. The employees can earn money to support their families, and at the same time afford to send the children to school.”

Ondine Francis, training manager and designer at ALITAB

Outdoor furniture made from recycled plastic.

Challenging market for recycled plastic

Low prices of virgin plastic have made it more difficult for recycled plastic to compete in the market. Additionally, political unrest has led to the operator losing access to one of the recycling stations.

Despite these obstacles, ALITAB has continued its important work. Through local engagement and tailored local solutions, they demonstrate that measures aimed at the increasing amount of plastic waste are also possible here.