International Zero Waste Day: LAWMA Restates Commitment to Dirt-free Lagos State

…says every Lagosian must play their role

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has reiterated its commitment to achieving zero waste in Lagos State, aligning with global efforts at minimising waste generation and maximising resource recovery.

Commenting on the International Zero Waste Day, themed, “Towards zero waste in fashion and textiles”, the Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, stated that the event underscored the urgent need for sustainable waste management practices, noting that LAWMA had continued to implement innovative strategies, aimed at reducing landfill dependence, increasing recycling rates, and promoting responsible waste disposal among residents.

He said: “The International Zero Waste Day reminds us of our collective responsibility to protect the environment by adopting sustainable waste management practices. At LAWMA, we are fully committed to implementing policies and programs that support zero waste principles, including waste sorting, recycling, and waste-to-energy initiatives. However, for these efforts to be successful, every Lagosian must take ownership of their role in ensuring proper waste disposal and environmental responsibility.”

Gbadegesin highlighted some of LAWMA’s key initiatives in its zero-waste efforts, including the expansion of the Lagos Recycle initiative, the promotion of circular economy practices, and enhanced enforcement of environmental laws.

“Over the years, we have intensified our recycling programs to ensure that a significant portion of waste generated in Lagos is diverted from landfills. Through our partnerships with recycling firms and the implementation of the ‘Adopt-a-Bin’ program, we are actively encouraging waste sorting and promoting a culture of recycling among households and businesses,” he said.

In line with this year’s theme, Gbadegesin announced that LAWMA would be taking decisive steps to address the environmental impact of textile waste, revealing that textile waste constituted approximately 8% of the 13,000 tonnes of waste generated daily in Lagos.

“LAWMA plans to ban textile waste from all landfills in the state. We will be collaborating with Tejuosho Market in Yaba to collect textile waste for transfer to recycling companies. In addition to that, students at the LAWMA Academy are being trained to upcycle textile waste into practical products, promoting sustainable practices and creating economic opportunities for residents”, he stressed.

The LAWMA boss also disclosed that the Authority had continued to expand its Waste-to-Wealth programs, where organic waste was converted into compost and other useful by-products, stressing that LAWMA would continue to promote waste recycling to ensure that more waste materials are repurposed, thereby creating economic opportunities for residents.

“We have seen remarkable progress in our waste conversion efforts. Organic waste, which forms a significant percentage of our total waste, is being processed into compost for agricultural use. Similarly, our collaborations with the private sector have facilitated the recycling of plastic waste, aluminum cans, and glass materials, further strengthening the circular economy in Lagos,” he added.

Speaking further, he said the Authority’s marine waste team had intensified efforts to clear waste from Lagos’ waterways, with ongoing cleanup operations along the coastline and drainage channels, particularly at Five Cowries Creek and other flood-prone areas.

Reaffirming LAWMA’s zero-tolerance policy on environmental infractions, he urged Lagosians to support the state’s zero-waste vision by complying with waste management laws, embracing recycling, and ensuring proper waste disposal through assigned PSP operators, adding that community participation remained a key factor in sustaining a cleaner and healthier Lagos.