In a major policy shift aimed at transforming waste management and unlocking the economic value of refuse, the Lagos State Government has announced plans to make waste sorting at source compulsory for residents and businesses across the state.
The initiative was disclosed by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, during an appearance on The Conversation, a programme aired on Lagos Television (LTV) on Tuesday.
According to Dr. Gbadegesin, the policy is in line with global best practices and is being backed by a comprehensive review of Lagos State’s waste management laws. The legal reforms are expected to introduce clear and enforceable regulations requiring individuals and organisations to separate waste at the point where it is generated.
He explained that the government is deliberately repositioning waste from being viewed as a nuisance to be discarded, to a resource with significant economic value. The move, he said, forms a core part of the state’s waste-to-wealth agenda, which prioritises recycling, material recovery and sustainability.
Dr. Gbadegesin noted that the new direction supports Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s vision of reducing dependence on landfills and transitioning to a recovery- and recycling-driven waste management model. This approach, he said, would reduce pressure on existing landfill sites, promote circular economy principles and encourage private sector investment in recycling and processing facilities across Lagos.
As part of efforts to strengthen waste collection services, the state government is also considering ways to support Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators. This includes facilitating access to modern compactor trucks and other equipment, acknowledging the high capital requirements involved in effective waste management operations.
However, the LAWMA boss made it clear that the reforms would come with strict accountability measures. He revealed that 22 PSP operators are currently facing sanctions for poor performance after repeated warnings and evaluations. This follows similar action taken last year, when 27 operators were disengaged for failing to meet service delivery standards.
Dr. Gbadegesin stressed that beyond infrastructure and regulation, behavioural change among residents remains critical to the success of the policy. He reiterated LAWMA’s ongoing advocacy against indiscriminate dumping and poor waste disposal habits, urging Lagosians to adopt more responsible environmental practices.
“Sorting waste at source is the foundation for building a cleaner, healthier and more resilient Lagos,” he said, adding that the initiative would only succeed through a combination of strong regulations, improved infrastructure, private sector collaboration and citizen compliance.
Environmental experts have welcomed the move, describing it as a timely intervention that could significantly reduce pollution, create employment opportunities within the recycling value chain and advance Nigeria’s sustainability objectives. With Lagos generating an estimated 13,000 tonnes of waste daily, stakeholders believe the policy could serve as a model for other states across the country.
The Lagos State Government continues to promote the initiative as part of its broader development agenda, reinforcing its commitment to improved urban living, environmental sustainability and economic growth under the #AGreaterLagosRising campaign.
