Examination of plastic bag waste management practices in the Central Business District of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

Abstract

Plastic bag waste is a major environmental concern faced by countries across the economic development spectrum. In response, nations have adopted varied management practices to lessen the detrimental effects of plastic bags. The main objective of the study was to examine plastic bag waste management practices in the Central Business District of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. The research was guided by interpretisvism paradigm and inductive reasoning. Qualitative data collection techniques used included semi-structured interviews, observations and documents reviews. Research findings identified the following shortfalls: inadequate waste bins; lack of colour coded bins; shortage of waste transportation vehicles; unlined landfill; limited recycling and incineration facilities; inadequate legislation enforcement and monitoring system; and limited support for plastic bag waste management commitment actions. In light of the findings, the researcher developed a plastic bag waste management model for Bulawayo City Council indicating the approaches, roles of stakeholders and mechanisms for financial development, to realise effective and efficient plastic bag waste management system. The plastic bag waste management model involved the three aspects that included technical and infrastructural approaches, legal and policy frameworks, and public private partnership approaches. The framework addressed technical and infrastructural shortfalls that include limited waste storage facilities, vehicles and plastic bag waste disposal/management infrastructure. Strategies to enhance legislation enforcement and monitoring and methods to enhance support for commitment actions are addressed.