Lagos tackles growing waste problem with recycling
Summary and headline written by AI from the source article. How we work
In Lagos, Nigeria, authorities are responding to a rising waste burden of 5.1 million tonnes per year by shifting from simply collecting and dumping refuse to recovering materials for reuse.
The Lagos State Government currently estimates daily waste generation between 13,000 and 14,000 tonnes, a volume that strains existing landfills and infrastructure. For years, the city relied on a “generate, collect, and dump” model, but this approach is becoming unsustainable due to limited landfill space and growing consumption.
Now, Lagos is focusing on the circular economy, aiming to recover resources from waste before it reaches disposal. In October 2025, the government announced plans to convert around 4,000 tonnes of daily waste into compost and recyclable materials, and is partnering with companies specializing in waste-to-energy and electronic waste processing. The number of recycling companies operating in Lagos has grown from three to 78, creating over 6,000 jobs. However, challenges remain.
The government acknowledges issues with waste collection, including residents not using designated services and illegal dumping. Improving collection efficiency and making waste separation easier for citizens are key priorities, alongside expanding resource recovery efforts, to ensure a more sustainable waste management system.
