The Lagos State government says it will soon make waste sorting at source mandatory to modernise waste management and unlock its economic value.

The managing director of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Muyiwa Gbadegesin, disclosed this while featuring on The Conversation, a flagship programme on LTV.

Mr Gbadegesin said the initiative, which aligned with global best practices, would be supported by a review of the state’s legal framework to provide regulatory backing for compulsory waste separation at the point of generation.

He explained that the policy marked a shift from viewing waste solely as a disposal challenge to recognising it as an economic resource, in line with the state’s waste-to-wealth agenda.

According to him, the new direction aligns with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s vision of transitioning from a landfill-dependent system to one focused on recycling and material recovery.

Mr Gbadegesin said the strategy would reduce pressure on landfills, promote circular economy practices and attract private investment in recycling infrastructure.

He added that the government was considering support mechanisms to help private sector participation (PSP) operators acquire new compactor trucks, citing the capital-intensive nature of waste collection.

On service delivery, the LAWMA boss disclosed that sanctions would be imposed on 22 underperforming PSP operators after repeated warnings and performance reviews.

He recalled that 27 PSP operators were disengaged in 2025 for failing to meet service standards.

Mr Gbadegesin stressed that the success of the initiative depended on effective regulation, improved infrastructure, private sector participation and responsible citizen behaviour.

He described waste sorting at source as critical to achieving a cleaner, healthier and more resilient Lagos.

(NAN)