In a bid to combat plastic pollution and promote sustainable waste management, the Lagos State Government has unveiled a new cash-for-trash initiative that rewards residents for recycling.
Under the program, residents can exchange plastic waste for cash, encouraging responsible disposal while generating income for participants. The initiative forms part of Lagos’s broader waste-to-wealth strategy aimed at reducing landfill pressure and transforming waste into economic resresources.
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Speaking during a sensitization walk to mark World Environment Day, the General Manager of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), Dr. Dolapo Fasawe, said the initiative aligns with global sustainability goals.
“We are turning trash into value,” she stated, explaining that the program seeks to promote recycling, create jobs, and prevent plastic waste from clogging drains and waterways.
By offering slightly above-market rates for recyclable materials, the government hopes to discourage indiscriminate dumping and promote cleaner communities.
Officials say the project also supports climate action efforts by cutting emissions linked to waste burning and pollution. With Lagos generating thousands of tons of waste daily, the initiative could become a model for other cities across Nigeria.
