In Zimbabwe, metal scrap collecting is reducing environmental pollution
3 min read
In Zimbabwe, scrap metal collectors are quietly saving the environment—one salvaged item at a time.
Scrap Metal Collecting in Zimbabwe: Cleaning the Environment and Creating Green Jobs
Scavenging Becomes a Source of Livelihood
In the bustling capital of Zimbabwe, Harare, a growing number of residents are turning to scrap metal collecting to make a living—and to clean their environment. Among them is Ezekiel Mabhiza, who abandoned his job as a security guard during Zimbabwe’s hyperinflation era. With formal wages shrinking to a fraction of their value, Mabhiza discovered a new opportunity in the scrap business, where payment is immediate and cash-based. “I would receive $30 instead of $120. So, I decided to collect scrap metal and get paid upon delivery,” he explains.
Making Ends Meet from Metal
Each day, Mabhiza pushes a cart through city dumps, collecting mattress springs, old tin cans, and car parts. On a good day, he salvages up to 66 kilograms (145 pounds) of scrap metal, earning roughly $8. After deducting $2 to rent the pushcart, he returns home with $5—enough to feed his five children and cover basic expenses. “I’m actually able to pay my rent,” he proudly says. In a country where over 80% of citizens work in the informal sector, this job offers stability.
Fighting Pollution with Every Piece of Scrap
Harare produces nearly 1,000 tons of waste daily, much of which is dumped illegally or burned, polluting neighborhoods and open spaces. As official waste management struggles to keep up, informal scrap collectors fill the gap. “It’s a dirty job, yes, but people rarely understand how important it is,” says scrapyard owner Fungai Mataga. “They are society’s cleaning crew.” Their work is quietly reversing environmental degradation by removing non-biodegradable metals from city streets and open fields.
Environmental Benefits of Recycling Metal
These collectors don’t just reduce local pollution; they also play a role in fighting climate change. By collecting and recycling metal waste, they help cut carbon emissions and support sustainable steel production. Instead of ending up in landfills or fires, these metals are reused—reducing the need for mining and heavy industrial processes. Every salvaged item contributes to a greener city and a smaller environmental footprint.
Scrap Metal’s Global Importance
Scrap metal is not just valuable in Zimbabwe—it’s a critical part of the global steel industry. According to the OECD, scrap accounts for about one-third of the raw material used in steel production. With rising interest in circular economies and environmental sustainability, demand for recycled materials is soaring. “These are some of the green jobs we are talking about,” says Joyce Machiri, head of mining and extractives at the Zimbabwe Environmental Lawyers Association.
Reducing Emissions One Collector at a Time
The steel industry is a significant contributor to global emissions, responsible for nearly 8% of carbon dioxide output in the energy sector. Many steel producers cannot afford modern green technology, making scrap metal recycling a cost-effective alternative. In this context, Zimbabwe’s informal collectors become “unsung heroes,” bridging the gap between sustainability and poverty alleviation—though their contributions often go unrecognized in official data.
Hazards of the Job Don’t Deter Collectors
Despite their vital role, scrap collectors face harsh and sometimes dangerous conditions. From used syringes to decomposing animal carcasses, the sights and smells can be unbearable. “At first, I would lose my appetite for days,” says Lovemore Sibanda, another metal picker. “Now, I am used to it. This is my office. This is where the money is.” The job may be messy, but for many Zimbabweans, it is a lifeline—and a service to the environment.
About The Author
