By Correspondent
Over 300 offenders were arrested in a joint anti-littering operation between February and March.
The operation was a joint effort conducted by the Environmental Management Agency, Harare Municipal Police, Geo Pomona, and the Zimbabwe Republic Police.
In a statement, Harare Council said the operation has led to the arrest of 370 offenders.
“The operation is targeting public conveyances without bins, shops without bins, litterbugs and those practising illegal dumping in Harare’s industrial and residential areas.
“Out of the 370 prosecuted during the period under review, 13 had no bins, and 357 were litterbugs.
The operation, which is being conducted during the day and night, seeks to curb pollution and promote compliance with environmental regulations.
Night operations and early morning exercises started on 16 March 2026 and are ongoing.
They are targeting environmental crimes such as illegal dumping, especially by maize roasters who leave their unwanted material at undesignated places.
During the day, authorities said they are targeting perpetrators of clandestine dumping, littering and pollution in residential areas
Harare Council has urged residents to maintain cleanliness through proper waste management and to report any environmental lawbreakers.
Garbage Challenge
According to the Zimbabwe Integrated Waste Management Plan, the country generates an estimated 1, 65 million tonnes of waste annually.
The waste is mainly 32 percent biodegradable material, 18 percent plastics, and 25 percent is paper.
Six percent of te garbage is textile, seven percent metal, two percent glass, one percent electronic waste and three percent other materials.
Approximately 90 percent of the waste generated is either compostable, recyclable, or reusable, leaving only 10 percent for landfilling.
Cities like Harare and Bulawayo have, for a long time, faced severe challenges in managing their municipal solid waste.
The sheer volume of waste generated, coupled with limited resources for collection, transportation and proper disposal, has consistently strained the capacities of urban local authorities.
This has led to adverse impacts on public health and the environment.
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