The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has vowed to step up effective waste management and recycling efforts in 2024.

The managing director/CEO of LAWMA, Muyiwa Gbadegesin, made the commitment in a statement on Friday in Lagos.

Mr Gbadegesin noted that 2023 witnessed a determined approach to environmental transformation in Lagos state, spearheaded by the commissioner for the environment and water resources, Tokunbo Wahab, with LAWMA playing a major role.

He said 2023 was an eventful year with respect to the environment and waste management.

“The Lagos state government was able to do a reset.

“Among the notable initiatives to restore sanity to the environment was the clearance of illegal dump sites, street trading and closure of unsanitary markets, a collaborative effort with the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources and the Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC),” Mr Gbadegesin said.

The LAWMA boss said that in line with the sustainability agenda of the state government, the authority would focus on recycling, especially plastic recycling and converting organic waste into compost and bio gas in 2024.

The CEO said the authority would continue to promote waste sorting at source, as well as the buyback programme, where residents could make money from recyclables.

He said that LAWMA planned to collaborate with local government areas to enforce the state’s zero-tolerance policy on street trading.

He said the agency would continue to enforce environmental laws, urging residents to make a resolution in the new year to be responsible environmental stewards.

“This year, there will be no room for illegal street trading and all activities that promote indiscriminate waste disposal.

“We will be working closely with local government authorities and other stakeholders on this. I want to personally urge residents to turn a new leaf this year and take good care of their environment, health and hygiene,” he said.

He said the state government had a plan to empower waste disposal operators to acquire new trucks to support their operations across the metropolis.

He urged residents to shun indiscriminate waste dumping and secure covered bins for waste under the Adopt–bin initiative and a flexible payment plan while awaiting assigned PSP operators.

(NAN)