Research Article

Analysis of Enterprise Profile and Composition of Solid Waste Generated in the Informal Sector of Gweru, Zimbabwe

Table 2

Characteristics of activities associated with the informal enterprises.

EnterpriseMain activities

Motor mechanicsPanel beating and body works, autoelectrical repairs, bumper fitting, gearbox repairs, wheel alignment, pressure checking, spray painting, car wash and repair, and general service of motor vehicles.

Welding and metal worksProduction of burglar bars, window and door frames, gates, fences, scotch carts, ploughs, door screens, chicken cages, French doors, cutting metal, soldering, cutting metals, keys, gates, hoes, car exhausts, minibus seats, grinding mills and their stands, braai stands, pots and soldering, coating, fixing, lining, grinding, and reverting.

CarpentryProduction and repair of furniture such as lounge suites, chairs, stools, kitchen units, tables, wardrobes, beds, coffee tables, kitchen dressers, coffins, and/or sale of timber.

TinsmithsManufacture of buckets, dishes, plates, dust pans letter boxes, chicken fowl equipment, and other metal products such as paraffin lamps.

Electrical and mechanical engineeringRewinding, electrical motors, underground ventilation, and fabrication.

Borehole installation/plumbingInstallation and servicing of boreholes and water tanks/production and sale of plumbing equipment; provision of plumbing services.

TyresMending, polishing, and sale of tyres.

Spare partsPurchase and sale of spare parts that range from motor vehicle to household machinery such as washing machine, including hardware.

Plastics, drums, and basketsSale of plastics, empty drums, and baskets.

UpholsteryRefurbishing of furniture, seat covers, and other equipment.

Hairdresser/barberBraiding, trimming, weaving, locking hair, freezing, blowing and haircuts, retouching, and shaving.

Tailoring/dressmakingProduction of uniforms, suits, bedspreads, curtains, suits, jackets, tracksuits, African attire, knitting jerseys, cutting, designing, pleating, patching, embroidering, ironing, and stitching.

Brick moulding/tombstonesProduction of bricks for construction purposes and tombstones.

Milling/bakeriesProduction of maize meal, chicken feeds, bread, and related items.

RepairsRepair of bicycles and motor cycles, electrical gadgets such as stoves, radios, televisions, DVDs, refrigerators, cell phones, shoe mending, tyres, boreholes, generators, and furniture.

Timber salesSale of timber and thatch for building and other uses.

Flea marketsSale of clothes, electronics, and other goods.

Food catering/vendingSale of foodstuffs and fruits and vegetables; baking and cooking food.