Blue Box: Lagos Launches Single Stream Sorting Initiative in Sorting Waste

In line with the United Nation’s 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) Initiative, the Lagos State Government has launched the BlueBox Programme.

This is aimed at encouraging sorting of waste from source and also serve as a catalyst for waste recycling in Lagos State.

With the BlueBox Programme, waste will be collected in single stream that is, you will have to sort your waste accordingly; plastics go into plastics bin, paper into paper bin, nylons into nylon bins, etc

While noting further that the target of the programme was for the state to capture 50 percent of recyclable waste by 2021, as well as create green economy and income for the people.

Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Executive Governor of Lagos State, expressed concerns that despite Lagos generating 10,000 metric tonnes of waste daily, about 50% of these could be recycled to generate revenue for the populace.

Mr. Tunji Bello, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, while speaking at the event noted that the government main aim is to attain waste conversion and waste buyback initiatives hence turning waste in resources.

The programme would kick-off on Saturday with two pilot schemes in Surulere and Victoria Island, as well as some designated/organised estates in the state.

While noting this to be a laudable initiative, greater importance is educating the public to key into this project as a way of life.