The Lagos State Government has announced plans to make waste sorting at source mandatory as part of efforts to modernise waste management and unlock the economic value of waste across the state.
Eko Hot News reports that the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, disclosed this during an appearance on the LTV programme The Conversation.
Dr Gbadegesin said the policy aligns with global best practices and will be supported by a review of existing laws to provide a strong regulatory framework for compulsory waste separation at the point of generation.
He explained that the new approach repositions waste from being merely a disposal challenge to an economic resource, strengthening Lagos State’s waste-to-wealth agenda through recycling and material recovery.
According to him, the initiative aligns with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s vision to transition Lagos from a landfill-dependent system to one focused on recycling and circular-economy practices.
He noted that the shift would reduce pressure on landfills, promote environmental sustainability, and attract private sector investment in recycling and recovery infrastructure.
On operational support, Dr Gbadegesin revealed that the state is considering mechanisms to assist Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators in acquiring new compactor trucks to improve service delivery.
He acknowledged that waste collection is capital-intensive and stressed the need to strengthen PSP operators’ operational capacity across the state.
Addressing accountability, the LAWMA boss disclosed that sanctions would be imposed on 22 underperforming PSP operators following repeated warnings and performance evaluations.
He recalled that 27 PSP operators were disengaged last year for failing to meet required service standards, adding that the authority remains committed to enforcing quality service delivery.
Dr Gbadegesin reaffirmed that the reforms are aimed at building an efficient, sustainable, and economically viable waste management system for Lagos residents.
