Lagos Targets Circular Economy with New Waste Sorting Law, Truck Support For PSPs
The Lagos State Government has announced plans to make waste sorting at source mandatory as part of a broader strategy to modernise waste management and unlock the economic value embedded in waste.
The Managing Director/CEO of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, disclosed this while speaking on a television programme, The Conversation, on LTV.
He explained that the initiative, which aligns with global best practices, will be supported by a review of the state’s enabling laws, currently underway, to provide the regulatory backing required for compulsory separation of waste at the point of generation.
According to him, the new approach shifts the focus from treating waste solely as a disposal challenge to recognising it as an economic resource.
He noted that the state is strengthening its waste-to-wealth agenda by positioning recycling and material recovery as key drivers of a more efficient and sustainable waste management system.
Dr. Gbadegesin said the policy direction is in line with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s vision of moving away from a landfill-dependent system to one centred on recycling and material recovery. He added that the transition is expected to ease pressure on landfills, promote circular economy practices and attract private investment in recycling infrastructure.
To enhance service delivery, he said the government is also considering measures to support Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators with access to new compactor trucks, acknowledging the capital-intensive nature of waste collection and the need to strengthen operational capacity.
On service quality and accountability, the LAWMA boss disclosed that sanctions would be imposed on 22 underperforming PSP operators after repeated warnings and performance evaluations.
He noted that the move follows a similar action taken last year when 27 PSP operators were disengaged for failing to meet required service standards.
