Name of School: Pamushana High School
Name of Candidate: Zimbowa Tinotendaishe E
Candidate Number: 3068
Centre Number: 060344
Level: Form 4
Learning Area: Statistics
Project Title: Investigating Improper Waste Disposal at Pamushana High School
Project Objective: To investigate the problem of improper waste disposal and come up with
solutions to improve cleanliness and hygiene at Pamushana High School.
Stage 1: Problem Identification (5 Marks)
At Pamushana High School, improper waste disposal has become a growing problem. Through
daily observations and experiences at school, I noticed that litter such as plastic bottles, food
wrappers, and paper waste are scattered around classrooms, dormitories, and sports fields. Waste
bins are either not available or are overflowing, leading to health risks, foul smells, and
environmental degradation.
This problem affects the learning environment, encourages the spread of diseases, and portrays a
negative image of the school. The learning area of Statistics enables us to gather, analyze, and
interpret data related to waste disposal. This helps us to understand the extent of the problem and
to propose data-driven solutions.
Statement of Intent
The aim of this project is to investigate the problem of improper waste disposal at
Pamushana High School through statistical methods, identify the main causes and effects, and
come up with data-driven solutions that are practical, sustainable, and easy to implement within
the school setting.
✅ Design Specifications
To effectively address the issue of improper waste disposal, the final solution must meet the
following criteria:
1. Cost-Effective – Affordable for the school to implement using available resources.
2. Environmentally Friendly – Should promote recycling, reusing, or safe disposal of
waste.
3. User-Friendly – Easy for students and staff to understand and use.
4. Statistically Measurable – Should allow for data collection to measure impact.
5. Sustainable – Capable of being maintained over time without requiring extensive
maintenance or resources.
6. Educational – Should help raise awareness and promote responsible waste habits among
students and staff.
Stage 2: Investigation of Related Ideas (10 Marks)
I researched and investigated several ideas that other schools and institutions use to manage
waste effectively. These ideas include:
1. Placing labeled bins for different types of waste (plastic, paper, food, etc.) to encourage
recycling.
2. Daily cleaning routines by students and staff.
3. Waste separation campaigns and competitions between classes or hostels.
4. Awareness programs on the importance of proper waste management.
5. Employing janitors or health prefects to monitor waste disposal habits.
6. Introducing penalties for littering.
7. Using waste to create useful products, e.g., using plastic bottles to make decorations or
bricks.
8. Constructing a compost pit for biodegradable waste.
9. Installing more bins in common areas.
10. Recycling clubs or Environmental Committees to spearhead cleanliness initiatives.
These ideas gave me a variety of possible solutions to choose from.
Stage 3: Generation of Ideas / Possible Solutions (10 Marks)
Based on the findings in Stage 2, I generated three possible solutions that could be applied at
Pamushana High School:
Idea 1: Introduction of Waste Separation Bins
Label bins by waste type (plastic, paper, food, etc.).
Encourage recycling and reduce littering.
Illustration:
Idea 2: School-Wide Awareness Campaigns
Educate students and staff about the dangers of poor waste disposal.
Host clean-up competitions and poster campaigns.
Idea 3: Establishing a Compost System for Biodegradable Waste
Build a compost pit for leftover food and organic waste.
Use the compost to fertilize the school garden.
These three ideas can be modified and combined to offer a long-lasting solution.
Stage 4: Development of Selected Idea (10 Marks)
Selected Idea: Introduction of Waste Separation Bins (Idea 1)
This solution is simple, sustainable, and easy to implement. It addresses the root of the problem
— lack of proper waste disposal infrastructure.
Development Process:
Refinement: We will place clearly labeled bins (plastic, paper, food waste, and general
waste) in all key areas of the school (classrooms, dining area, hostel corridors, sports
field).
Design: Each bin will be a different color for easy identification.
Awareness: A few posters and announcements will educate learners on how to use them
properly.
Test Run: For two weeks, bins were placed in two classroom blocks. Waste was sorted
daily and data was recorded.
Data Collected (example):
Day Plastic Waste (kg) Paper Waste (kg) Food Waste (kg)
Monday 2.1 1.5 3.2
Day Plastic Waste (kg) Paper Waste (kg) Food Waste (kg)
Tuesday 1.8 1.3 2.9
... ... ... ...
The data showed a 40% reduction in litter around the test areas after the bins were introduced.
Stage 5: Presentation of Results (10 Marks)
Presentation Methods:
Graphs and Charts: Bar graphs showing daily waste collected in test areas.
Report Summary:
o Waste reduced by 40%
o Positive feedback from students and teachers
o Cleaner environment noticeable by end of trial
Pie chart showing the effectiveness of the design
Stage 6: Evaluation and Recommendations (5 Marks)
Achievements:
The introduction of waste separation bins significantly improved cleanliness.
Students became more conscious of waste disposal.
The idea promoted environmental awareness and responsibility.
Challenges:
Some students initially ignored the labels and mixed waste.
Bins needed regular emptying to avoid overflow.
Recommendations:
Extend the program to the whole school.
Appoint waste monitors to supervise bin usage.
Provide regular education sessions to reinforce proper disposal habits.
Add compost pits to complement the bin system.
Encourage recycling projects using collected waste.
