The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has called on households across Zimbabwe to take a leading role in reducing waste generation as the country prepares for the March National Clean-Up Day scheduled for 6 March, 2026.
The monthly clean-up exercise will run under the theme “From Household to Community: Driving Zero Waste Together,” with authorities emphasising that sustainable waste management begins at the household level.
EMA Environmental Education and Publicity Manager, Amkela Sidange, said the initiative recognises the role families and communities play in addressing waste challenges and promoting responsible environmental practices.
“The journey to Zero Waste begins at household level but achieves meaningful impact when scaled collectively across communities. Every household becomes a frontline actor in reducing waste generation while communities create systems that support recovery, reuse and environmental protection,” said Sidange.
She added that behaviour change in households, including waste separation, recycling, composting and responsible consumption, remains key in achieving long-term environmental sustainability.
The March clean-up activities also come ahead of the global observance of the International Day of Zero Waste on 30 March, which this year focuses on the environmental and social impacts of food loss and waste.
Sidange said the international observance highlights the importance of sustainable consumption and waste reduction in protecting the environment.
“This theme localises the global call to action and underscores that Zero Waste is not only a policy aspiration but a community-driven programme. Full participation of all stakeholders, including communities, Government ministries, civil society and the private sector, remains critical,” she said.
Citizens across the country are expected to take part in clean-up activities between 0800 hours and 1000 hours in their communities, workplaces, business centres and schools, in line with the Presidential Declaration on the National Clean-Up Programme.
EMA has also urged local authorities to coordinate clean-up efforts within their jurisdictions while encouraging the food and hospitality sector to actively participate as part of broader efforts to reduce food waste and strengthen waste recovery systems.
“The food and hospitality sector is encouraged to actively participate as part of efforts to address food waste and strengthen the waste reduction value chain in the sector,” Sidange said.
Zimbabwe introduced the National Clean-Up Programme in 2018, which designates the first Friday of every month as a day for citizens to participate in environmental clean-up activities.
The programme forms part of the Government’s broader environmental management strategy, with authorities intensifying efforts through public awareness campaigns, strengthened waste management policies, enforcement of environmental regulations and partnerships with communities and local authorities to ensure sustainable and clean environments across the country.
