The Lagos State Government has announced plans to make the sorting of waste at source compulsory for residents, as part of a broader strategy to modernise waste management and harness the economic value embedded in waste.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, disclosed this during a television programme, noting that the initiative aligns with global best practices in sustainable waste management.
According to him, the policy will be backed by a review of the existing legal framework, which is currently underway, to provide the necessary regulatory support for compulsory waste separation at the point of generation.
Dr. Gbadegesin explained that the new direction reflects the state’s commitment to treating waste not merely as a disposal challenge but as an economic resource, as Lagos intensifies its waste-to-wealth agenda through recycling and material recovery.
He added that the policy is in line with the vision of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to transition from a landfill-dependent waste management system to one centred on material recovery and recycling.
The shift, he said, is expected to reduce pressure on landfills, promote circular economy practices, and attract private sector investment in recycling infrastructure across the state.
To strengthen service delivery, the LAWMA boss revealed that the government is considering mechanisms to support Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators in acquiring new compactor trucks, acknowledging the capital-intensive nature of waste collection operations.
On accountability and service quality, Dr. Gbadegesin disclosed that sanctions would be imposed on 22 underperforming PSP operators following repeated warnings and performance reviews.
He recalled that 27 PSP operators were disengaged last year for failing to meet the required service standards.
He emphasised that the success of the initiative would depend on effective regulation, improved infrastructure, private sector participation, and responsible citizen behaviour, stressing that sorting waste at source is fundamental to achieving a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient Lagos.
Reporting By Innocent Onoh