By Francis Chipalo
The BuyZed campaign has launched a fresh drive for a cleaner Zambia, calling on consumers to take responsibility for waste disposal while pressing manufacturers to adopt _Extended Producer Responsibility_ (EPR).
Describing it as a “bold step towards a cleaner Zambia,” BuyZed founder Evans Ng’oma said the initiative seeks to build a culture of accountability and sustainability in cities and towns across the country.
BuyZed is urging Zambian manufacturers to implement EPR, which would make factories responsible for managing waste generated by their production lines.
“It’s a proactive approach to reducing waste and promoting eco-friendly practices,” the campaign stated.
As part of the proposal, manufacturers will be expected to provide waste bins in busy public places nationwide, making it easier for consumers to dispose of waste responsibly.
Ng’oma the move could “significantly reduce litter and promote a cleaner environment.”
Ambassador Ng’oma is encouraging Zambians to embrace shared responsibility for keeping the country clean.
Extended producer responsibility is an environmental policy approach recognised under Zambia’s Environmental Management Act. It places the burden of post-consumer waste management on producers, particularly for packaging, plastics, and beverage containers.
The BuyZed push comes amid rising concern over urban litter and illegal dumping, with local authorities struggling to keep pace with waste collection.
Similar EPR schemes globally have helped increase recycling rates and reduce landfill pressure by involving manufacturers in collection and disposal systems.
BuyZed has not yet named which manufacturers have committed to the initiative, but says it is engaging industry players to “join hands” in rolling out public bins and take-back schemes.
