Solid waste management in urban environments is a topical issue and is taking a centre stage in
Zimbabwe. Urban centres are grappling with the problem of solid waste. This study aims to: (i)
identify the reasons why solid waste management continues to be a problem in the Central
Business District of Gweru City. (ii) identify the areas worst affected by poor management of
waste. (iii) recommend better ways of dealing with solid waste. Questionnaires, interviews,
observation and moisture content tests were used in the study. The results reveal that poor
attitude by members of the public, lack of resources by the municipality, and lack of
complementary action by stakeholders contributed to poor solid waste management practices in
the City of Gweru. It is recommended that community education and awareness campaigns
should be intensified, the business community should be involved in waste management, alleys
should be closed and legislative issues should be tightened.