Owning a car is dream come true for many individuals, as this can improve time management, operational efficiency, protection against the harsh vices of the weather. Mobility is often associated with convenience as well as a sign of affluence in some countries. In developing countries, a large number of vehicles are being imported from countries Japan, United Kingdom, United States and Singapore. Brand new cars are also coming to great utility to those who can afford them. However, when people consider mobility and buying cars, very few consider what will happen to the vehicle, when it eventually reaches the end of its life cycle.

When vehicles reach to the end of their life cycle due to obsolescence, accident wreckages, fire damage or after irreversible wear and tear, there is a challenge in disposing the vehicle waste. The waste from vehicles can include scrap metal, leather, glass, used oil, filters, wood and other vehicle related components. Most garages do not have a clear strategy of how to handle vehicle scrap waste. Harare, has already seen an increase in the amount of scrap body waste in different parts of the city at garages and also in public places. If left unabated, the vehicle scrap problem shall worsen, with a resultant negative effects on environmental quality in the Sunshine City.

In developed countries, there is a clear framework of disposing and recycling used vehicles. This enables recovery of materials as well as extraction of valuable components. The process of recycling used cars and vehicles at the end of their life cycle requires conscious efforts in dealing with heavy metals such as lead which can be potentially neurotoxic to nervous systems of young children. Oils from vehicles can have dioxins, furans and benzofurans, which can bio-accumulate in body fatty tissue around the heart and the liver.

Vehicle manufacturers, governments and organisations in the automobile sector, should collaborate in order to develop a strategy for dealing with the waste generated at the end of the life cycle of vehicles.

Many spots where vehicle scrap can be found include backyard garages, road vedges, shopping centres and along some highway roadsides. The issue of quality assurance is very important in vehicle importation policy, to ensure that vehicles which are durable are allowed to get import permission. There are certain vehicles which fold inside towards the body, by merely just leaning on the fender. Such vehicle species are adding onto the burden of vehicle end of life waste as they flake off after even the slightest of impact. Harare’s scrap body challenge is slowly emerging unnoticed and there is an increased call by environmentalists to strengthen control of end of vehicle life cycle management in order to deal with waste. Integrated solid waste management and new measures of dealing with waste area possible ways of dealing with the issue.

Author

  • Tawanda Muzamwese

    Tawanda Collins Muzamwese is the Editor in Chief of the Green Business Gazette Magazine. He is is an international consultant in sustainable business development with massive experience in training, consulting and auditing. He has facilitated capacity development in more than 100 enterprises drawn from over 30 countries. He is the founder of the sustainability think-tank called Toxiconsol Consultancy t/a African Sustainability Consultants. He is the Editor in Chief of the Green Business Gazette Magazine. He is a consultant and business coach with over 13 years experience. Tawanda is a Management Systems Consultant working on promoting development and implementation of ISO Standards (ISO 14001:2015, ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018) in both developed and developing countries. With his inspirational and pragmatic writing style he has written cutting edge books including: 1) How to grow a Side-hustle into a viable business - Overcome Salary Dependency 2) The Leading Consultant: How become an authority in your professional field 3) Step-by-Step Guide to implementing Safety, Health, Environment and Quality Management Systems 4) Stepping on Higher Perspectives: Greatness Tips Motivational Series 5) Sustainability Guidebook for Boards and CEOs: Leading from the front Tawanda writes about sustainability, motivation, safety, health, environment and quality management. His books are relevant to both developed and developing countries. With practical approaches and case studies, he provides incisive insights into entrepreneurship. His philosophy is based on the premise that every human being has potential to make a significant difference in their lifetime. He writes books on taking personal responsibility for progression in life. He motivates entrepreneurs to implement income generating projects and determine their own financial destiny. He also motivates companies to take up sustainability initiatives. A start-up coach, public speaker, environmentalist, safety, health and quality management expert, Muzamwese bridges the gap between theory and practice through building capacity and sharing practical case studies in his books.

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