The Zimbabwe government has given mobile phone firms six months to phase out scratch airtime recharge cards.

"My ministry has noted with concern that mobile companies have ignored the extended producer responsibility principle by leaving the responsibility of cleaning scratched juice cards littered in streets and pavements to local authorities," said the minister of environment, water and climate, Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri.

The mobile telecommunication companies must embrace electronic recharging systems, Muchinguri-Kashiri continued.

The minister ordered the mobile companies to use alternative system of recharging phones. "We've a litter problem in the country – so the mobile companies must play their part in making sure the environment we're living is clean," Muchinguri- Kashiri said.

The ban has been proposed at a time many young unemployed locals are earning a living selling scratch airtime recharge cards. With 80% of Zimbabwe's population estimated to be without jobs, more people are turning to airtime vending as a means of generating income.

The demand for airtime has been increasing in tandem with mobile phone penetration rate.

As a deterrent measure, the minister announced a US$20 fine for littering and ($5 000) for illegal dumping. For individuals selling scratching air time cards and violating the set rules, the minister said, a mandatory community service will also be introduced.

She urged telecommunication companies and retailers to come up with what has been described as "an environmental friendly" plan.

Mobile operators must encourage their clients to use electronic top –up platforms, she said.

Telecel recently introduced e-Juice service, an electronic option for selected airtime vendors. Operators are expected to enhance their offerings in accordance with the minister's six-month moratorium.