Flooding in Lagos Linked to Poor Plastic Waste Management
Heavy rainfall has become a recurring nightmare for residents of Lagos, with flash flooding becoming a regular occurrence across the city. Experts attribute the frequent flooding to the city's poor plastic waste management practices. The city generates over 13,000 tonnes of waste daily, with plastics such as sachet water, nylon, and bottles forming a significant portion that often ends up in drainage channels, canals, and lagoons.
During rainfall, these materials block water pathways, leading to devastating flash flooding across the city. Experts warn that capturing a significant portion of plastic waste would significantly reduce flooding and environmental degradation. A waste and environmental sustainability expert, Dr Olufemi Idowu-Adegoke, notes that plastics are lightweight and non-biodegradable, making them a major contributor to the city's environmental woes.
Dr Idowu-Adegoke highlights the need for a transition from a disposal-driven system to a circular economy anchored on recycling. He suggests that capturing between 30 and 50 per cent of plastic waste would make a significant difference in reducing flooding and environmental degradation. However, he notes that the current system, which relies heavily on landfill sites, is structurally limited in driving large-scale recycling.
The Lagos Waste Management Authority has made some efforts in waste collection and public awareness campaigns, but Dr Idowu-Adegoke stresses that the outcomes remain weak due to policy and system gaps. He points out that plastic recycling rates in Lagos remain between three and six per cent, while other recyclable materials record less than five per cent recovery.
Lagos is at a critical juncture, where its waste management practices will determine the city's environmental and economic trajectory. The lack of consistent enforcement of environmental policies, limited economic incentives, and system integration are major constraints hindering the city's transition to a circular economy. The Lagos government must take bold steps to address these challenges and implement a robust waste management system that prioritizes recycling and minimizes landfill reliance.
