Underutilization of waste as a resource: bottom-up approach to waste management and its energy implications in Lagos, Nigeria

ABSTRACT The inadequate and improper waste management strategies adopted in Lagos state has led to significant levels of negative externalities with deterrent impact on the health, wellbeing and environment of its residents. This study utilizes a bottom-up approach, which is informed by the knowledge and opinions of over 200 residents in Lagos, which was obtained from the direct administration of a survey questionnaire. The sampling method utilized is critical case sampling due to the exploratory nature of this study. The findings highlight the poor status of the waste management services and the need for public awareness on proper waste disposal strategy. The main challenges revealed from this study is the insufficient or lack of waste collection and separation infrastructures and the inadequate operations of waste collection services. These challenges currently deter the potential for waste to energy solutions as observed in the energy map constructed. The improvement strategies include the development of regulatory infrastructures for guiding the waste sector, improvement of financing to the waste sector by government investment or increasing waste fees levied, raising awareness on sustainable and proper waste management practices, and investing in appropriate technologies, infrastructures and manpower to enable adequate operation of waste collection and recycling facilities.