The Blue Box Program is a single stream recyclable collection program that will encourage separation of recyclable materials from the general waste at the point of generation. Recycling bags will be distributed to households by franchised recyclers for separation of recyclables. The bags would be collected on designated dates by the assigned recycler and transported to the sorting hubs within the area at designated days of the week. Respective recyclers who are franchise holders, would come to pick up the boxes. Colour-coded bags will be distributed by recyclers and Environmental volunteer corps who will educate and encourage participation and also collate data on field. The collected recyclables will then be transported to the Community Recycling Centre in that area, for further sorting and sale to off-takers.

As a way of encouraging compliance, LAWMA would promote the sorting culture with a reward system. Participatory households would accumulate coupons distributed by the franchisee which will be exchanged with several redeemable options, which include but not limited to reduction in amount paid for waste bills.

Distinguished guests, the process is already in the works and it is important to stress, that individuals/Recyclers who exhibit capacity to collect at LGs and LCDAs are expected to have a minimum of 5-ton or 10-ton truck for collection of recyclables from door steps, in addition to a sorting centre measuring a minimum of 1000 square kilometers in the area of operation. The state and local governments will partner to provide space for Community Recycling Centres.

The Community Recycling Centres will be a platform to harness the expertise of the scavengers, where we will re-orientate and reintegrate as resource managers, thereby allaying the negative impact of their means of livelihood. Many of our youth who are jobless will also find employment and livelihood at the Community Resource Centres.

We will engage respective communities and deploy massive public enlightenment and sensitization, to encourage public support and general compliance.

To ensure sustainability of the program, corporate organization would also be co-opted to support the program through introduction of reward system that would further encourage participation.

BENEFITS

● To capture about fifty (50) percent of recyclables upstream with zero tolerance for scavenging by June 2021.
● Attract Major investors, create green jobs and further strengthen the sector and reorientation of scavengers and integration as Resource Managers at the Community Recycling centers where their expertise will be needed.
● Reducing the negative impact on their means of livelihood.
● Encourage zero waste generation in the State and promote an healthier and cleaner environment.
● Reduce our carbon footprint.
● Increase economic security by tapping domestic source of material

This is envisaged as a new era, that will usher in the clean city and friendly environment, jobs and lots of business opportunities for all.

I welcome you all once again and I welcome you to the beginning of a new and Greater Lagos. Eko a Sanwa o

Dr. Olumuyiwa Gbadegesin
Managing Director/CEO LAWMA