The Association of Scraps and Waste Pickers of Lagos (ASWOL) has expressed commitment to the zero waste initiative and effective waste management in the state.
The association’s President, Mr. Friday Oku, disclosed this in an interview with reporters on Sunday in Lagos.
Oku said the association was intensifying efforts to support zero waste through better organization and structured engagement of its members.
He noted that challenges—including the ban on scavenging and cart pushing—had affected operations, but members remained resolute.
According to him, integrating waste pickers into the formal waste management value chain is key to achieving sustainable results.
Oku urged households to segregate waste at source to enable the recovery of recyclable materials, while PSP operators handle residual waste.
He said effective segregation would reduce the volume of waste sent to dumpsites and strengthen recycling efforts across the state.
Oku described the ongoing engagements with the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) as productive.
He said data collection on waste pickers had commenced in collaboration with LAWMA across clusters and local government areas.
The president added that more than 100 members had benefited from a train-the-trainer workshop on zero waste management, as well as occupational health and safety.
He noted that personal protective equipment had also been distributed to improve safety standards among members.
Oku explained that the association’s roadmap aims to transition waste pickers from unrecognized status to formal integration within the waste management system.
He said formalization would enhance livelihoods, create green jobs for youths and women, and promote climate action and circular economy sustainability.
Oku expressed optimism that a pilot scheme would begin after the state government completes the necessary documentation.
