…..emphasizes the use of the PAKAM app
The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has celebrated the 3rd Anniversary of the Lagos Recycle Initiative, launched three years ago to introduce waste sorting at source for recycling purposes, address the plastic pollution challenge and create jobs for the teeming residents create.
The event, organized by the Food & Beverage Recycling Alliance and the Lagos Recyclers Association in partnership with LAWMA, took place at the agency’s Olusosun Resource Center in Ojota, with the participation of various stakeholders from the industry.
In his address, LAWMA Executive Director/CEO Mr. Ibrahim Odumboni recognized Lagos State Governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his midwifery work and support of the recycling initiative, while also praising all stakeholders who are partners with the agency in tackling plastic pollution in the state.
Noting that the initiative has turned plastic materials into valuable raw materials to generate economic gains through recycling, he added that the agency is working with a private company to set up a bottle-to-bottle recycling plant in Lagos very soon.
Odumboni urged residents to start sorting waste at source to reduce the volume of waste going to landfills, stressing that having a dustbin would be mandatory for all apartment buildings from October 1, 2022.
According to him, “Start by separating your waste from the source, that makes sense.
We encourage waste separation from source in all households.
From October 1 of this year, every household must have a rubbish bin.
We will begin posting home abatement notices and will begin full enforcement in January next year.”
Earlier, the Executive Director of Finance, Mr. Kunle Adebiyi, said in his welcome address that the event marks the beginning of another milestone in the history of waste recycling in Lagos State and stressed the agency’s commitment to ensure positive environmental impact through recycling.
He urged participants to embrace the recycling culture, adding that the value chain is vast and extensive, creating business opportunities for pickers, collectors, aggregators, takers and recyclers.
In her remarks, Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA) Executive Secretary Ms. Agharese Onaghise reiterated the group’s commitment to working in partnership to achieve a plastic pollution-free state of Lagos.
PAKAM Technology CEO, Mr. Adeleye Odebunmi, presented the PAKAM App 2.0, an all-in-one waste management software application that connects residents with recyclers to instantly exchange and redeem their recyclable items in real-time.
He highlighted the features of the revamped app and encouraged households to take advantage of seamless technology’s opportunities to make money and address the state’s waste management challenges.
Messages of goodwill have been received from critical stakeholders such as the Waste Pickers Association and others.
