The study focused on the characterisation and management of non-formal solid waste
disposal sites in Harare, the capital city of the Republic of Zimbabwe. In many developing
countries, increasing urbanisation surpasses the development of urban infrastructure and
this has led to the proliferation of informal settlements, illegal dumping sites and
uncontrolled vending in cities like Harare. The researcher investigated the prevalence of
non-formal dumping sites in Harare, including the composition, locational attributes and
internal linkages of solid waste. Practices regarding the management of non-formal solid
waste disposal sites were examined and areas of good practice and conformity to
international standards were complemented while recommendations and suggestions were
made on areas that were found wanting. An integrated management system was
recommended for the sustainable management of solid waste. To support this
recommendation, management window of responsibilities (EMWR) model was created so
that the Harare City Council can enhance stakeholder participation. The research results
show that most residents used non-conventional ways to store waste, like mealie-meal bags
and sacks, and this posed a danger to human health. It also emerged that the city of Harare
has not updated some of its by-laws, some of which were enacted about 33 years ago while
others remained drafts for decades. This made it difficult for the city to effectively
implement them.