Last year, reports indicated that the state was generating 12,000 up from 9,000MT daily between 2012 and 2013.

“Lagos now generates 13,000 metric tonnes of waste daily. So, we are working to know the daily waste per capita. It is necessary to properly manage this waste because solid waste management is different from other services, and should be done in such a way that it does not damage the environment,” he said.

Ogunbiyi said on Monday that based on the development, LAWMA would improve on its technology in the coming months for effective waste management.

“Our technology has not allowed proper waste management; so, we intend to improve on that. But first, we will start with waste characterisation to help us know how much of the waste is plastic, paper or organic. This will help us decide the kind of machinery that will be put in place for proper management,” he said.

Ogunbiyi added that the technology to be deployed would have about 40 to 50 per cent local content with the participation of the private sector.

He said LAWMA would also partner stakeholders outside the country for the provision of equipment for the process.

The LAWMA boss called on residents to cultivate the right attitude towards managing the wastes they generated either in their homes or in public places.

He said, “Attitude is a major setback to waste management but through the duty of care, we will be able to manage waste. Enforcement of law has not been very effective but attitude change can be a more effective way.

“People need to drop the waste where it is supposed to be and the managers will pick it up. To every shop owner, there should be a waste bag. It is a big budget to manage waste but when done properly, it creates wealth.”

PUNCH.