Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
AS the world embraces circular waste management models, Mutare is taking steps to join the movement, with the city currently conducting a feasibility study on waste-to-energy projects — following in the footsteps of Harare’s Geo Pomona initiative.
The study is expected to provide a roadmap for Mutare’s transition from the traditional linear system of waste disposal to a more sustainable circular approach.
This comes at a time when waste management has become an urgent challenge, driven by rapid urbanisation, population growth, and changing consumption patterns.
Zimbabwe’s prevailing linear model — where waste is generated, collected, and dumped — merely shifts the problem from one place to another. Experts argue that this outdated approach, once common in developed countries, is deeply flawed.
Mutare’s move towards a circular model could be transformative, turning waste into energy or reusable resources, and setting a precedent for sustainable waste management across Manicaland.
The challenge lies in handling post-consumption materials, many of which do not decompose, while those that do often pollute water sources through leaching.
Globally, waste management systems are shifting to recognise waste as a valuable input for new processes.
For example, used bottles can be recycled into new products or converted into energy, reducing accumulation and environmental harm.
Harare City Council’s partnership with Geo Pomona Waste Management (Pvt) Ltd is a prime example of this approach.
The waste-to-energy project is touted as Southern Africa’s most advanced and efficient, setting a benchmark for public-private partnerships in sustainable urban development.
Mutare Town Clerk, Mr Blessing Chafesuka declined to comment, saying it was premature to discuss the matter while feasibility studies were still underway.
“It is too early for us to talk about the issue as it is still undergoing feasibility tests,” he said.
However, residents’ organisations have urged city authorities to safeguard public interests as the project develops.
United Mutare Residents and Ratepayers Trust (UMRRT) programmes director, Mr Edison Dube, stressed the importance of balancing environmental benefits with affordability.
“Such projects should be decided by residents. We welcome initiatives that bring cleanliness and a safe environment, but there must be a balance between service delivery and profiteering. Private companies often commercialise projects and burden residents with extra charges. Ratepayers are already overtaxed, so the city fathers must carefully analyse the benefits. We need a clean environment, but we also need to protect residents’ interests,” he said.
In an interview, Environmental Management Agency (EMA) principal environmental education and publicity officer, Mr Liberty Mugadza, said:
“Zimbabwe is now a member of the African Alliance on Circular Economy, indicating our commitment to the principle that waste management must be circular. According to scientific laws, matter is transformed from one form to another, rather than being generated. By embracing this principle, we can tackle waste management challenges. This is the underlying principle of circularity in waste management, which is the global trend.”
For cities like Mutare, Mr Mugadza emphasised the need for a thorough feasibility study to establish a suitable circular model, considering the city’s size and waste volume.
“Smaller local authorities like Mutare may seem to manage waste collection and dumping, but those wanting to process waste can do so at the dumpsite. However, costs will eventually outweigh their capacity due to rapid urbanisation and population growth. Mutare must adopt integrated circular waste management, exploring options like waste segregation at source and encouraging households to separate waste.
“This includes having plastics or dry matter separate from food waste, which can be composted for manure.
“There’s a growing demand for organic products, and we’re wasting a valuable resource by not using organic waste to produce fertiliser.
“Local authorities should lead this effort, making waste management more efficient and beneficial. They can generate revenue through waste management fees from residents,” he said.
Mr Mugadza also explained the modalities of waste collection and subsequent processes in circular models of waste management.
“The critical component in circularity, alongside minimisation, is waste separation at source. To process waste efficiently, plastics must be treated according to their specific types – there are about seven forms, including LD, PET, LDPE, and PVC, among others. They cannot be mixed during processing. Separation is most efficient and cost-effective when done at source.
“Separating waste at any other point incurs extra costs, requiring equipment or personnel to sort mixed materials. When families separate waste at home, recyclers can collect it from residential areas, reducing the burden on local authorities,” he said.
Mr Mugadza highlighted challenges associated with the waste-to-energy model for cities like Mutare.
“Options like waste-to-energy have pros and cons. They utilise existing dumpsite waste, but facilities require a steady feed. Equipment might become obsolete if waste accumulation slows, leaving local authorities scrambling for feedstock.
“We recommend reprocessing existing waste – separating, cleaning, and recovering recyclables, with organic material composted for manure.
“Encouraging recycling attracts private players, bringing in financing and reducing the burden on local authorities. Public-Private Partnerships can help manage waste sustainably, but residents who generate the waste must be informed,” he said.
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