A Review of the Effectiveness of the Integrated Solid Waste Management System in Institutional Solid Waste Management in Zimbabwe

Abstract Abstract The review focuses on the effectiveness of the integrated institutional solid waste management system in Zimbabwe, utilising already published literature. Zimbabwean institutional solid waste is produced from schools, tertiary learning institutions, barracks, prisons, police camps and medical facilities. Institutional solid waste consist of plastics, papers, metals, textiles, rubber, food waste, glass and wood. Construction and demolition waste such as broken bricks, concrete, sand, stones are also produced from institutions. Medical institutions are sources of sharps, pathological, infectious, pharmaceutical, radioactive and cytotoxic solid waste. Institutions also discard electric and electronic waste such as computers and cell phones. Institutional solid waste management approaches in Zimbabwe are characterised by illegal dumping, co-storage of waste, inefficiency collection and transportation as well as co-disposal in poorly constructed landfills, open pits and incinerators. However, open combustion and burying of solid waste is done at onsite to minimise environmental eyesore. These strategies cause water, land and air pollution while flora and fauna are not spared. People are affected by gastrointestinal diseases, work related risks and psychological problems. These problems are fuelled by management approaches and legal framework which neglect integrated institutional solid waste management. However, integrated approach have potential to reduce environmental health problems, accelerate economic development and support social life of Zimbabweans. Therefore, integrated model which consist of various stages and processes of institutional solid waste management, numerous aspects and all stakeholders was developed.