Public Awareness

Did you know that Nigeria is one of the top marine polluters in the world? Did you know that the volumes of plastic waste in Lagos Lagoon are so high that its poisoning the marine habitat we eat? Waste creates big problems, especially if it is not disposed of properly. Yet, in Lagos it is commonplace to throw rubbish in public spaces. People may not think about the consequences of these actions and may not have alternatives which are accessible to them. How can we create alternatives and how do we raise awareness so that communities are committed to use them?

Source Segregation, Collections, Logistics and Digital Platforms

Nearly all organizations that participate in plastics value chain are highly committed to improving rates of waste recovery and recycling. Yet there are obstacles which limit progress. Waste collection presents one of the most difficult challenges because there are no systematic waste segregation programmes operating in Nigeria. Transport infrastructure is also poor, which limits how waste travels from sources of disposal to points of aggregation. The fragmented ways that waste is collected also makes it more difficult for off-takers and recyclers to acquire the specific materials they need. Finally, recycling infrastructure is expensive – without stable inputs or outputs, it is often un-economical to establish or grow operations. Can digital technology improve rates of collection and help to bypass key infrastructure issues? What types of platforms will create the most benefits for participants across the value chain?