The Lagos Waste Management Authority is ramping up efforts to combat the environmental challenges posed by textile waste, which accounts for a significant portion of the state’s daily refuse.
Managing Director of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, disclosed this in a statement on Monday in Lagos to mark International Zero Waste Day.
This year’s theme, “Towards Zero Waste in Fashion and Textiles,” highlights the urgent need for sustainable textile disposal and recycling practices.
Gbadegesin revealed that approximately 1,040 tonnes of textile waste are generated daily, making up about eight percent of the 13,000 tonnes of waste Lagos produces each day.
To tackle this, he announced a series of initiatives, including a proposed ban on textile waste in landfills and a partnership with Tejuosho Market in Yaba to facilitate textile collection for recycling companies.
“Textile waste constitutes approximately eight per cent of the 13,000 tonnes of waste generated daily in Lagos,” Gbadegesin stated.
“LAWMA plans to ban textile waste from all landfills in the state. We will be collaborating with Tejuosho Market in Yaba to collect textile waste for transfer to recycling companies.”
In line with sustainable waste management practices, LAWMA is also engaging students at its academy to repurpose textile waste into usable products.
This initiative not only encourages sustainability but also fosters economic empowerment among residents.
Reaffirming LAWMA’s dedication to achieving zero waste, Gbadegesin emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in waste reduction and resource recovery.
“The International Zero Waste Day reminds us of our collective responsibility to protect the environment by adopting sustainable waste management practices,” he said.
“At LAWMA, we are fully committed to implementing policies and programmes that support zero waste principles, including waste sorting, recycling, and waste-to-energy initiatives.
“However, for these efforts to be successful, every Lagosian must take ownership of their role in ensuring proper waste disposal and environmental responsibility.”
With these measures, LAWMA aims to align Lagos with global best practices in waste management, reinforcing the state’s commitment to a cleaner and more sustainable environment.
