Experts urge Lagos State residents to embrace recycling

Environmental experts have urged Lagos state residents to adopt recycling and proper waste management to combat plastic pollution and promote sustainability across local communities.

This was during a recycling awareness exercise at Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Lagos State, held to mark the 2025 Global Recycling Day.

Mr Segun Idowu, Co-Founder of Street Waste Company, stressed the need for increased recycling awareness to reduce plastic waste and support Nigeria’s circular economy.

He noted that underprivileged families could benefit by collecting plastic waste and exchanging it for cash under recycling programmes.

Idowu highlighted the company’s buy-back scheme, where residents earn money for recyclables, helping improve lives of low-income families.

Many women in Lagos, he said, collect plastics to feed their families and pay school fees, showing recycling’s economic impact.

He called for a behavioural shift towards responsible waste disposal, urging people to see waste as a resource, not a burden.

“Recycling protects the environment, as plastics destined for landfills or waterways are diverted for other productive uses,” he added.

He emphasised that Global Recycling Day promotes advocacy and helps people recognise waste as a valuable resource.

Adesuwa Akinboro, Country Director for TechnoServe Nigeria, described the event as a call to action for sustainable waste management.

She urged businesses, individuals, and policymakers to invest in recycling and support initiatives that empower local communities.

“Incentivising responsible waste disposal helps fight plastic pollution, improve livelihoods, and foster sustainable economic growth,” Akinboro stated.

Omoh Alokwe, Co-Founder of Street Waste Company, said they work to change public perceptions by showcasing waste’s economic value.

She noted that public interest in recycling continues to grow due to the financial incentives involved.

“People are earning money from waste. This drives participation and helps grow the economy,” she said.

Alokwe added that recycling also aids environmental protection by reducing flood risks caused by improperly disposed waste.

She highlighted Lagos state growing population and the vast waste it generates daily, stressing the need for local recycling solutions.

“With over 21 million residents, and each generating 0.74kg of waste daily, Lagos needs effective waste management,” she said.

She explained that focusing on local communities encourages recycling, as waste is mostly generated at the grassroots level.

Residents in Bariga LCDA were urged to bring recyclables, especially plastics, in exchange for cash as part of the initiative.

The residents brought plastics measured in kilograms and received cash in return.

One resident, Shefiu Bello, earned N54,000 for plastics and urged others to collect waste as a legitimate income source.

“I was a motorcycle rider before the ban. Now I collect plastic, rubber, and cans, and sell them for cash,” he stated.

He added, “I’ve earned between N10,000 and N100,000 depending on the recyclables’ weight. I save them up before selling.”

Bariga LCDA Chairman, Mr Alabi Kolade, praised the organisers for empowering the community and promoting environmental cleanliness.

Kolade, represented by Mr Adegboyega Adefuwa, said the council plans to expand the plastic-for-cash scheme.

This initiative, he noted, will curb improper disposal in drainages, reduce blockages, and prevent environmental hazards.

 NAN / Foluke Ibitomi