Medical Waste Management and Recycling in Zimbabwe

ABSTRACT The research presents a scoping of the growing yet understudied phenomenon of unsustainable medical waste management in Zimbabwe. Researchers sought to establish and assess the current medical management strategies in Zimbabwe. The research also establishes and assesses the recycling techniques in use for medical solid waste in Zimbabwe. A systematic research strategy was employed for literature research with keywords such as “circular economy,” “medical waste” and “recycling.” The Hierarchy of Controls Model and the Circular Economy Model for Sustainable Healthcare Waste Management System were used as conceptual frameworks for the research. Findings show the use of inadequate waste classification systems, inadequate storage facilities, unsustainable waste transportation modes and the heavy dependence on incineration and open pit burning. Results also show little to no waste recycling regardless in comparison to global trends in medical waste recycling. However, the researchers expose the potential for medical solid waste recycling in Zimbabwe. Researchers also establish a knowledge gap in the effectiveness of environmental monitoring in Zimbabwe. Reluctant legislation is resulting in the illegal dumping and disposal of medical waste threatening the environment and public health. Conclusively, the researchers developed an exhaustive integrative framework that proposes easily applicable and highly effective strategies for the sustainable management of medical solid waste.