SEO Riders:
– LAWMA waste-to-energy plant in Epe
– Economic benefits of waste recycling in Lagos
– Circular economy initiatives by LAWMA
The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has reiterated the significant economic value embedded in waste, emphasizing the need for a transition from traditional waste disposal methods to a circular economy model. Managing Director Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin highlighted that materials such as plastics, paper, aluminum cans, and textiles hold substantial value and should not be discarded indiscriminately. He noted that currently, less than 10% of waste in Lagos is recycled, underscoring the untapped potential in the sector. To address this, LAWMA plans to establish a waste-to-energy plant in Epe, capable of processing 2,500 tonnes of waste daily and generating between 60 to 80 megawatts of electricity to power critical infrastructure, including the Free Trade Zone and Dangote Refinery.
In addition to the waste-to-energy initiative, LAWMA is collaborating with Ghana’s Jospong Group to set up advanced waste management facilities at Ojota and Igando within the next 18 months. These facilities aim to separate waste into valuable fractions like organic materials and metals, ensuring minimal landfill use. Gbadegesin also emphasized the importance of public education and community engagement through programs like the LAWMA Academy and the Adopt-a-Bin initiative, which promote proper waste separation and environmental consciousness among residents. He urged Lagosians to adopt eco-friendly waste management practices, highlighting that a cleaner and sustainable Lagos requires collective responsibility.
