LAWMA Issues Stern Warning Against Illegal Recycling and Scavenging in Lagos

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has issued a strong warning to property owners, agents, and private occupiers in the state, urging them to cease all forms of illegal recycling and scavenging activities, particularly those occurring in unlicensed facilities.

Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, the Managing Director of LAWMA, highlighted that indiscriminate waste sorting, storage, and trading of recyclable waste in unauthorized locations contribute to significant environmental hazards, degrade the aesthetic value of the city, and violate Lagos State’s Environmental Management and Protection Law of 2017.

LAWMA’s warning follows an observed surge in illegal recycling activities within the state. These activities include the improper sorting and disposal of recyclable materials in both private facilities and public spaces, which not only harm the environment but also pose a threat to public health and safety. The agency emphasized that such actions are against the law and will be met with strict enforcement measures, including penalties and other legal consequences for violators.

In his statement, Dr. Gbadegesin noted that the increasing illegal activities had the potential to worsen environmental conditions and undermine ongoing efforts to keep Lagos clean and livable. He pointed out that such practices contribute to littering and environmental degradation, which directly affect the well-being of Lagos residents. The law specifically prohibits the deposition of recyclable waste in undesignated locations, and LAWMA will enforce these rules strictly, including blacklisting offenders and preventing further illegal activities.

The LAWMA Managing Director further stated that property owners who allow illegal recycling or scavenging on their premises would face severe consequences, including the possible revocation of property rights. Gbadegesin reiterated that the state’s environmental laws are in place to protect the community and the environment, and those who violate these regulations would not go unpunished. This serves as a final warning for those engaging in or allowing unauthorized recycling activities within their property boundaries.

LAWMA has also launched a dedicated enforcement campaign targeting areas where illegal recycling is rampant, such as the Ijora-Olopa under bridge. A joint team consisting of officials from LAWMA’s Monitoring and Compliance Department and the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps has been working to dislodge squatters and illegal recyclers from these areas.

The exercise aims to remove any unauthorized activities that threaten public health and safety and to demonstrate the state’s commitment to maintaining environmental cleanliness while the public is encouraged to cooperate with LAWMA by using only licensed recycling facilities and registered waste collectors. Dr. Gbadegesin called on residents to report illegal recycling and waste-related activities to the authorities via LAWMA’s official channels, including its dedicated phone lines and website.