Lagos, Nigeria – The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has announced its plans to tackle the growing environmental issue of textile waste, which contributes an alarming 1,040 tonnes to the state’s daily waste generation.
This effort was highlighted on Monday as part of the observance of International Zero Waste Day, with a focus on reducing waste in the fashion and textiles industries.
In a statement marking the occasion, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, the Managing Director of LAWMA, emphasized the severity of textile waste, revealing that it accounts for approximately eight percent of the 13,000 tonnes of waste generated daily in Lagos.
The agency’s initiative is aimed at addressing the environmental toll this waste has on the state while promoting more sustainable practices.
“Textile waste constitutes a significant portion of Lagos’s daily waste, and it is imperative that we act decisively to mitigate its environmental impact,” Gbadegesin stated.
He revealed that LAWMA’s efforts would include a ban on the disposal of textile waste in all landfills within the state.
In a bid to implement this, the authority has partnered with Tejuosho Market in Yaba, one of Lagos’s busiest markets, to collect textile waste and facilitate its transfer to recycling companies.
The focus on textile waste comes amid growing global concern over the environmental impact of the fashion industry.
According to the United Nations, the fashion industry is one of the largest contributors to waste, with significant environmental and social costs tied to the production and disposal of textiles.
LAWMA’s initiative aligns with the theme of this year’s International Zero Waste Day, which calls for more sustainable practices in the fashion and textiles sectors.
Furthering its commitment to sustainability, LAWMA is also working to engage local communities in the effort to reduce textile waste.
As part of its educational efforts, students at the LAWMA Academy are being trained to upcycle textile waste into useful products. This not only promotes sustainable practices but also creates potential economic opportunities for Lagos residents, according to Gbadegesin.
“By upcycling textile waste, we can create new products that contribute to both environmental sustainability and economic growth,” said Gbadegesin. “This initiative also creates jobs and empowers residents to take an active role in managing waste in their communities.”
LAWMA’s broader goal of achieving zero waste in Lagos is in line with global efforts to minimize waste generation and maximize resource recovery.
Gbadegesin reiterated the authority’s commitment to achieving this goal through various policies and programs, including waste sorting, recycling, and waste-to-energy initiatives.
However, he stressed that for these initiatives to be effective, the cooperation of every Lagosian is essential.
“The International Zero Waste Day serves as a reminder that protecting the environment is a collective responsibility. We must all take ownership of our actions by ensuring proper waste disposal and embracing sustainable practices in our daily lives,” he said.
In addition to its efforts on textile waste, LAWMA has also been actively involved in other environmental initiatives, including issuing warnings against illegal refuse dumping on road medians, acquiring CNG-powered machines to compact waste, and focusing on the welfare of street sweepers who play a key role in maintaining the cleanliness of Lagos.
With these ambitious plans in motion, LAWMA is aiming to create a more sustainable Lagos while also setting an example for other Nigerian states and cities to follow.
