The Lagos State Government has rolled out an inventive scheme encouraging residents to turn their household waste into money, as part of a major push to create a cleaner and greener environment. The initiative, officially called “Trash for Cash,” means people can now exchange their recyclable rubbish for currency.
The programme is being championed by the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA). According to the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, the drive is a clear “win for your wallet and a win for our city.”
LAWMA’s recycling teams have already begun extensive sensitisation campaigns across various communities, including Lagos Island and Agege, to teach residents exactly how to participate. The government is rewarding locals every Thursday for their efforts, making recycling a regular and financially beneficial activity.
This scheme is a core component of the state government’s larger plan to enhance waste-to-cash programmes, significantly reduce environmental pollution, and foster better waste sorting habits across all local areas. By putting a monetary value on discarded items, the authorities aim to incentivise citizens to stop dumping rubbish on the roadside and instead separate it for recycling.
The state views this as a vital step towards achieving its ambitious goal: transforming Lagos into Africa’s cleanest and most sustainable megacity. LAWMA is actively working with field officers and recycling partners to ensure residents understand how to separate items like plastic bottles and metals from regular household waste, guaranteeing timely collection and payment. The new policy is designed to clean up the environment while simultaneously providing a source of income and empowerment for residents.
