In the bustling Central Business District of Harare, amidst the chaos of traffic and daily commotion, a dedicated group of environmental stewards works diligently, moving from one skip bin to the next. These men and women, part of an informal but essential recycling network, sift through mountains of garbage daily, searching for discarded plastic containers. These items, seen by many as mere waste, represent valuable resources in a burgeoning recycling economy.
As global focus shifts towards sustainability, the significance of these waste pickers has become increasingly recognized. In Harare, with its limited formal recycling facilities, they are vital in reducing plastic waste in landfills and repurposing it. Evelyn Chikomwe, a waste picker from Epworth, shared her experience: “I started doing this a few years ago. It’s a tough job because of what we encounter, but it’s worthwhile. We’re not just making a living; we’re also protecting the environment.”
Operating solo, Chikomwe, like her peers, is equipped only with a sack and sheer resolve. She scours the city for plastic waste, collecting bottles and containers from bins, alleys, and sidewalks. After gathering these plastics, she cleans them at the nearby Mukuvisi River before delivering them to recycling facilities.
“The recycling industry has evolved,” she explained. “Initially, we sold the plastics as they were, but now, cleanliness is required, adding more steps to our process.” Despite their environmental contribution, these workers often face social stigma and discrimination, dismissed by some as mere scavengers.
“We endure a lot of challenges, including being called zvigunduru (homeless) and sometimes being labeled as insane, but we’ve grown accustomed to the discrimination and insults,” Chikomwe added. Yet, they persist, motivated by the tangible benefits of their work. “People may insult us, but at the end of the day, we are earning our livelihood and sending our children to school. Every plastic bottle we collect adds a little more to our income. It’s hard work, but it pays off,” said Samson Taruza, aged 35.
As Harare awakens each morning, Chikomwe and Taruza are not just bystanders but active participants in an economy that values their efforts. Their daily collection is more than a job—it’s a contribution to their families and their city.
