LAWMA sets to prosecute property owners involved in illegal recycling

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has signalled intention to prosecute property owners, agents and private occupiers in the state, who indulge in illegal recycling as well as those scavenging in unlicensed facilities.

The authority warned those involved to halt indiscriminate sorting, dumping, storing and trading of recyclable waste in their facilities and in public spaces around them.

Muyiwa Gbadegesin, managing director/CEO of the agency, in a public notice issued to property owners, agents and private occupiers, noted that such activities not only degraded the city’s aesthetic appeal but also disrupted the rights of property owners, contributing to serious environmental hazards.

“LAWMA has observed a rising trend of indiscriminate waste sorting, dumping, and trading of recyclables in unauthorized 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,” the agency said.

It further cited part III, Sections 85 & 86 of the Law, which makes the deposition of recyclable waste in undesignated locations strictly prohibited, adding that LAWMA would take all necessary steps to enforce compliance, including prosecuting violators and shutting down offending facilities.

Read also: LAWMA advocates environmental sustainability through waste recycling

According to Gbadegesin, “We cannot fold our hands and watch few people derail the ongoing efforts to make the environment cleaner and livable for all residents. I want to also add that property owners who permit unauthorised recycling or scavenging activities on their premises risk 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, encouraging the populace to report illegal activities through LAWMA’s official channels.

“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.

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