LAGOS/Nigeria: In a resolute bid to combat the growing menace of plastic waste and its devastating impact on the environment, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) and the Seven-Up Bottling Company joined forces recently launch a pioneering initiative called “Cash for Trash.”
This innovative endeavor unfolded within the precincts of the Surulere Local Government Area and the Coker Community Development Area, as droves of individuals converged with bags laden with PET plastics, used engine oil, old television sets, and more, all seeking a tangible reward for their eco-friendly contributions.
Bags upon bags of PET plastics, used engine oil, old television sets, and more poured in as individuals flocked to contribute to the waste-to-wealth initiative.
Dr. Dolapo Fasawe, the General Manager of LASEPA, highlighted the significance of this campaign during an interview with journalists on-site. She emphasized that the core objective, undertaken on behalf of the Lagos State Government, is to safeguard and cleanse the environment.
The heart of the “Cash for Trash” drive revolves around the concept that single-use plastics hold value when recycled. Dr. Fasawe addressed the assembled crowd, explaining, “We are here today to talk to people about the harm improper disposal of single-use plastics can cost to our health, the environment and even the well-being of species in the ocean. It clogs our drains, it clogs our canals. That is why we have floods and global warming.”
Dr. Fasawe underscored the dire consequences of plastic waste polluting oceans, a concern that extends to the potential consumption of contaminated fish by humans, leading to health risks, including cancer. She lamented that people are losing their lives due to the improper disposal of plastic waste, thereby underscoring the urgency of this campaign.
The multi-faceted “Cash for Trash” initiative is a collaborative endeavor, involving not only LASEPA and the Seven-Up Bottling Company but also the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and the association of Lagos Recyclers. Dr. Fasawe encouraged active participation, stating, “Just carry your plastic bottles, used plastic materials, used waste oil, used electronic and electrical waste and you will get money for it. Our motto as an agency is that there is nothing called waste. Everybody’s waste is somebody’s raw material, and there’s money in waste if you have the knowledge.”
The advocacy effort, which commenced in 2020, has already made significant headway. Covering approximately 12 local government areas, particularly those in coastal communities, the campaign aligns with the overarching vision of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration, aiming to transition from a linear to a circular economy.
However, this proactive approach doesn’t stop at encouraging recycling alone. Dr. Fasawe issued a stern warning, emphasizing the state government’s unwavering stance against waste disposal into drainage channels.
The impact of this initiative has garnered international attention. Kenise Hill, Deputy Economic Political Chief at the US Consulate General in Lagos, expressed the U.S. government’s endorsement of LASEPA’s efforts to combat plastic waste. Hill praised the campaign as an opportunity to address a common problem and heralded it as a model that could resonate not only within Lagos communities but across the nation.
The pinnacle of the event was the inauguration of the Surulere Zonal Office of LASEPA, an embodiment of the agency’s expansion and commitment to its mission. Dr. Omobolaji Gaji, Permanent Secretary of the Office of Environmental Service, officiated the commissioning, marking a milestone in the agency’s journey.
The event radiated with the presence of local government officials, development partners, civil society organizations, members of the diplomatic corps, and selected students. It showcased a united front in the fight against plastic pollution and highlighted the potential of transforming waste into wealth. As this initiative gains momentum, its echoes are likely to reverberate far beyond Lagos, inspiring a shift towards sustainable practices across the globe.
