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What is litter?
Litter refers to different waste products such as containers, papers, plastics, that have been disposed improperly, without consent, at an inappropriate location (streets, countryside). To litter means to throw away objects onto the ground and leaving them uncollected, as opposed to disposing of them properly.

Littering is a much more serious problem than some think it is, not just for the environment but an economic problem too, because Zimbabwe is spending and removing litter out of our environment. Litter just doesn’t appear – it accumulates as a result of careless attitudes and improper waste handling.

Is there anything you can do?
Knowing more about litter and where it comes from is a good place to start.

Why do people litter?
Generally people litter because:

•  They do not have a sense of ownership, even though areas such as parks are public property.

•  They believe someone else – a municipal worker – will clean up after them.

•  Litter is tolerated

•  Littering is convenient

•  Litter has already accumulated

“Litter” Known Facts
There are seven sources of litter which include:
1. Pedestrians
2. Motorists
3. Household trash handling and its placement (by the gate or roadside) for collection.
4. Dumpsters
5. Loading docks
6. Construction and demolition sites
7. Trucks with uncovered loads

What can I do?

•  Set an example for others, especially children, by not littering.

•  Carry a litter bag in your car

•  Keep your yard clean free of things that can blow into the street and become litter.

• When you visit a public area remember to take out what you bring in. Keep trash and recyclables in a bag or backpack until you can put them in a litter bin.

•  Talk to your family and friends about recycling to reduce the amount of litter you throw away.

•  At home, make sure garbage and recycling bags are tied securely so that loose papers and other items can’t fall out and become litter in your street.

•  Do not overfill refuse containers. Exposed garbage will likely result in litter in the street.

•  Corporates are encouraged to “adopt” a street in your city/town and maintain it on a regular basis.

•  Report areas where people have illegally dumped garbage and debris to your nearest EMA office, local authority in your area and ask that the material be removed.

•  Volunteer to help organise a clean up.

Can I do more?

• l Ask the organisers of a festival, show, or other outdoor events in your community to make it a “litter-free” event. This can be done by giving out litter bags at entrances and making sure that everyone who attends knows it is a ‘litter-free” day.

• l Cover open loads on all trucks

• l Encourage a school to start a “clean campus” programme. This could include placement of trash receptacles, litter pick-ups, and projects in which students track litter’s origins.

What does the law say on littering?
Environmental Management Agency’s mandate is to ensure that every citizen has a right to a clean and safe environment which is not harmful to health.

To this effect EMA encourages all local authorities to adopt effective waste management practices.
EMA has a statute that regulates litter. It is clearly stated in Section 83 of the Environmental Management Act (Cap 20:27) that it is an offence to discard, dump or leave any litter on any land, street or road except in a container provided for such purposes or at a place which has specifically been designated for such purpose.

Public transporters must put in place sufficient waste bins within their vehicles for use by the passengers as stipulated in Section 23 subsection (2) and (3) of Statutory Instrument 6 of 2007.

Section 83 of the Environmental Management Act and Section 23 of S.I. 6 of 2007 seek to prevent the nuisances associated with the distribution or casting of flyers, pamphlets, advertisements or waste paper upon undesignated places.

It is also an offence for recipients of such materials on the streets, public places or on public transport to throw litter on the street or road. Section 23 subsection (3) of Statutory Instrument 6 of 2007 authorises the imposition penalties and fines against offenders who dump litter in violation of its provisions.

Think before you throw, remember everyone has a right to a clean, safe and healthy environment.

• Please talk to us. We are always ready to listen. Email: [email protected] or 04-305543/ Toll-free 08080028