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The purpose of this article is to inform the public on the national recycling colour codes for Zimbabwe.

The colour codes will identify the different recyclables in the country mainly paper, plastic, cans, glass, and biodegradable waste. Internationally, there are no standard colours for the different recyclables.

Neither is there any special meaning for these colours. As such, each country has its own colour coding for the recyclables as a way of promoting recycling. Recycling colour codes have been seen as an effective way of promoting waste separation and recycling.

Recycling and colour codes Recycling has been identified as one of the best ways of managing waste internationally. Waste separation at source helps in ensuring that the collection of recyclables is hassle-free.

As such, different colour codes such as blue, green, red, black, yellow, etc have been widely used internationally to classify the different waste recyclables.

Colour coding of bins helps both in the process of segregation and in the collection of waste.

Even children, the elderly and semi-literate people are able to associate the nature of waste with the given colour and dispose it accordingly.

Similarly colour coding helps save time in the waste collection process. The house keeping staff does not have to verify the contents of each bin before emptying in the appropriate bag/bin.

The Environmental Management Agency, on the other hand, is urging all stakeholders which include households, learning institutions, churches, corporates as well as private and public transport owners to ensure the provision of bins within their premises or vehicles.

Bins are critical in containing waste and in the process avoid fly away litter. Above all, local authorities should ensure the provision of adequate bins and regular collection schedules in their areas of jurisdiction in order to avoid the accumulation of waste at undesignated places.

Report all Environmental Crimes to; [email protected], like us on Facebook: Environmental Management Agency and twitter: @EMAeep or visit our website www.ema.co.zw. Alternatively, call us on: Tel 04-305309 /305407 and Toll-free 08080028; or use our WhatsApp platform 0779565707. We are ready to listen.