Opportunities and limitations for source separation of waste generated in harare

Source separation of municipal solid waste (MSW) is an integral part of sustainable and integrated MSW management. In Zimbabwe, the national solid waste management plan of 2014 provide for source separation under goal 2 and public education for awareness raising on the importance of source separation under goal 7. This provides the necessary commitment and necessity for source separation at national level. This study reviewed the available opportunities and limitations for MSW source separation in Harare. Such opportunities for source separation that exists include the availability of a national plan, MSW composition which eases source separation of organics to either anaerobic digestion or composting, recyclables and non-recyclables of a low heating value amenable to incineration with energy recovery. However, limitations with regards to enabling legislation, municipal capacity to spearhead source separation in light of their failure to provide MSW receptacles to over 75% of households, equipment and technical expertise exist.