Sustainable waste management a challenge in Lagos, says activist

Trashusers, a Lagos-based recycling hub, has launched a Recycling-from-Source Initiative (REFSI) in the Orile-Agege area to tackle waste management challenges while creating economic opportunities for residents.

On March 22, the organisation set up three recycling waste banks at key locations in the area — Ogunjebe, Onobajo, and Osundairo — with plans to install two additional banks later.

At the launch, Seun Bode, founder of Trashusers, said the initiative is aimed at encouraging residents to exchange waste for cash and foster a culture of recycling

He emphasised that while waste management exists in Lagos, sustainable methods like recycling remain underutilised.

“There is waste management, but there are also sustainable ways to manage waste. Recycling allows people to earn money while protecting the environment, unlike burning waste, which pollutes the air,” he said.

He, however, highlighted major obstacles, including locals demanding payment for placing recycling bins in public areas and extortion by government safety officials at checkpoints.

“It is very challenging to manage waste sustainably in Lagos,” he said. “Yesterday, before we set up our first bin at Onabanjo, it nearly turned into a serious fight. Thankfully, it didn’t escalate to police involvement,” he added.

Bode said communication gaps have also hindered efforts, with some residents struggling to understand the initiative, noting that to bridge this, Trashusers has been using a mix of Yoruba, English, and Pidgin in community engagements.

Bisi Ayoola, a resident, praised the initiative for simplifying waste sales, empowering residents and reducing poverty in the area.

“We’ve always sold waste, but now the bins are closer to us. This will help me and the community,” she said.

On her part, Yewande Obasa, director of sanitation services at the Lagos state ministry of environment and water resources, lauded the growing momentum of recycling in society, adding that apart from the economic benefits, it is significant to take care of the environment.

“I want to appreciate Trashusers for bringing this initiative. Every March 18 marks Recycling Day and today you are all recycling heroes,” she said.

“We are going around telling people that there is money in recycling waste. As a committed recycler myself, in my house, I store the plastic bottles I use at the office because I’m a recycler, and I have to ensure that my environment stays clean.”

According to Omowumi Falade, regional manager at Access Bank, recycling plays a crucial role in sustaining the planet and maintaining environmental cleanliness.

She urged residents to leverage the Trashusers initiative, emphasising the economic and health benefits of recycling.