The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has announced the introduction of 100 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) compactors as part of efforts to enhance waste management in the state.
LAWMA’s Managing Director, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, disclosed this in an interview on Monday, stating that the new compactors are environmentally friendly and cost-effective.
“This year, we will be bringing in 100 compactors, and next year, we plan to double that number. Over the next five years, our goal is to completely upgrade Lagos’ waste collection fleet,” Gbadegesin said.
He also noted that the new trucks could potentially run on biogas generated from both liquid and solid organic waste.
LAWMA, in collaboration with the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) and the Swedish government, recently concluded a feasibility study on waste management. The study revealed that a significant portion of water and solid organic waste could be converted into biogas to power LAWMA and LAMATA’s fleets.
LAMATA is set to introduce approximately 2,000 CNG and biogas-powered vehicles starting next quarter. Gbadegesin stated that these innovations would be made available to Private Sector Partnership (PSP) operators, who are responsible for household waste collection under LAWMA’s regulation.
Additionally, he highlighted plans to revamp existing transfer loading stations and build new ones in collaboration with Zoomlion Nigeria. The company is funding the construction of transfer stations and material recovery facilities, which will play a crucial role in waste separation and recycling.
“A material recovery facility allows us to sort waste into valuable streams, including organic waste for compost or biogas, metals, plastics, and textile waste,” he explained.
Gbadegesin emphasized that 95% of discarded materials could be repurposed, creating employment opportunities and economic benefits.
“This initiative is about transforming waste into wealth. Waste is only waste if you let it go to waste,” he added.