Progression in Waste Management Processes in Lagos State, Nigeria

One of the challenges of Lagos State is efficient and cost-effective solid waste management. This paper focuses on progress made in waste management operations in the State. An assessment to know how waste generation, collection, transportation and disposal have put demands on state resources, and its physical infrastructure was carried out. The state generates about 12,000 metric tons of waste daily (0.72kg/person/day). Due to limited budgetary allocation, the state government instituted the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) to perform supervisory roles and charged with the implementation, advocacy, monitoring and enforcement of waste management policies. As part of its roles, the agency enlisted Private Service Providers (PSP) for the purpose of appropriate billing of waste services. LAWMA centrally collects revenue and remits agreed portion of 60% of waste charges to individual PSP accounts in accordance to estimated waste collected. The state is focused on resource recovery programs such as composting, land filling and pelletizing of plastics and nylons. The implications (environmental, economic, social and financial) for managing solid waste gives credence to the renewal campaign for resource conservation and environmental sustainability. Thus, the 4 Rs of waste management – Reduction, Reuse, Recovery and Recycling are being demonstrated through establishment of compost production plant, championing of Waste-To-Wealth Initiatives and Renewable Energy (RE).