The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has announced a major initiative aimed at tackling the city's rising textile waste, which currently accounts for approximately 1,040 tonnes of waste generated daily. The initiative seeks to address the environmental impact of textile waste, promote recycling, and create opportunities for sustainable waste management practices.
According to LAWMA, most textile waste comes from fast fashion, discarded clothes, and fabric scraps from tailoring hubs across the state. If improperly disposed of, these materials contribute to landfill overflow and environmental degradation. To combat this, LAWMA has introduced specialized collection points in major markets such as Tejuosho, Oshodi, and Balogun, where traders and customers can deposit used textiles for recycling.
Additionally, the LAWMA Academy is spearheading an upcycling project, training young entrepreneurs and artisans to repurpose textile waste into functional items such as bags, furniture, and insulation materials. The authority is also partnering with private-sector recyclers to ensure that textile waste is processed into reusable fibers, reducing dependency on landfills.
As part of the state government’s broader sustainability agenda, LAWMA is also exploring legislation to regulate textile waste disposal, urging businesses and consumers to adopt more eco-friendly practices. Officials say the success of this initiative could serve as a model for other states grappling with similar waste management challenges.