The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has warned property owners and occupants in the state against illegal recycling and scavenging in unlicensed facilities.

It also advised them to halt indiscriminate sorting, dumping, storing and trading of recyclable waste in their facilities and in public spaces around them.

The Managing Director/CEO of the agency, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, noted that such activities not only degrade the city’s aesthetic appeal but also disrupt the rights of property owners, contributing to environmental hazards.

A notice issued to property owners read, “LAWMA has observed a rising trend of indiscriminate waste sorting, dumping, and trading of recyclables in unauthorised locations.

These activities violate the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law, 2017 and will not be tolerated. Any individual or entity engaging in illegal recycling or scavenging will face strict enforcement measures and penalties as prescribed by law.”

Commenting further, Gbadegesin said, “We cannot fold our hands and watch a few people derail the ongoing efforts to make the environment cleaner and livable for all residents. I want to also add that any property owner who permits unauthorised recycling or scavenging activities on their premises risks revocation of property rights and other legal consequences.”The LAWMA boss urged residents and stakeholders to utilise only licensed recycling facilities and registered waste collectors, to ensure proper waste management in Lagos.“We remain committed to achieving a cleaner and more sustainable Lagos, but we need the cooperation of all residents. We urge everyone to comply with waste management laws of the state and contribute to a healthier environment,” he stressed.

The statement added that a joint enforcement team, comprising officials of LAWMA’s Monitoring and Compliance Department and the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps dislodged squatters and illegal recyclers at Ijora-Olopa underbridge, to sanitise the environment in the area.