Scrap Metal Collectors in Zimbabwe Fight Climate Change One Piece at a Time

• Zimbabwe’s scrap metal collectors contribute to fighting climate change.
• Workers like Ezekiel Mabhiza turn trash into treasure to support families.
• The collection of scrap metal aids in reducing carbon emissions.
• The city of Harare manages around 1,000 tons of waste daily.
• Informal pickers are crucial in maintaining a cleaner environment.

How Scrap Metal Collectors Impact the Environment

Scrap Metal Pickers: Unsung Environmental Warriors Zimbabwe is experiencing a remarkable, albeit largely unnoticed, movement among its citizens who are engaged in scrap metal collection. Individuals like Ezekiel Mabhiza scour the streets of Harare, not primarily for profit but to contribute to the environment. As they sift through heaps of rubbish and salvage metals, they are tacitly fighting climate change. Each piece they collect represents a small victory against pollution and an effort to repurpose waste that would otherwise linger in landfills, polluting the landscape and contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. For Mabhiza, who supports his family through this labor, every kilogram counts and brings a sense of purpose to waste management.

The ongoing efforts of Zimbabwe’s scrap metal collectors highlight a unique blend of survival and environmental stewardship. Their work, while often underappreciated, plays a vital role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and cleaning up the city’s pollution. As society shifts towards a more sustainable model, recognizing and supporting these informal workers could pave the way for a greener future in Zimbabwe.