Lagos transforms waste into economic opportunity
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In Lagos, Nigeria, discarded materials are increasingly becoming valuable resources as the city shifts toward a circular economy.
For decades, items considered “waste” were simply discarded, but now plastic, aluminum, textiles, and electronic components are entering recycling and reuse chains. This change is creating jobs and new economic opportunities for residents. The Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) promotes reducing, reusing, and recycling as a core principle.
The number of recycling companies operating in Lagos grew from three to 78, generating over 6,000 jobs. An additional 590 jobs were created through marine-waste cleanup along shorelines and canals. LAWMA has partnered with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation and the Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance to establish plastic-waste collection facilities and designated drop-off points.
The city also plans to divert textile waste from landfills and is pursuing a concession arrangement to process 4,000 tonnes of municipal waste daily, aiming to create compost and recyclable materials. While challenges remain in ensuring the commercial viability and environmental standards of these projects, Lagos aims to minimize landfill dependence by recovering, recycling, and reusing materials. Ultimately, the city envisions a cultural shift where residents recognize the value in materials they once considered worthless.
