Lagos govt to partner with Lafarge on pure water sachet recycling 

This initiative, part of efforts to ban single-use plastics (SUPs), will include a buyback system to ensure proper collection and reuse.

The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed this during a meeting with the Food and Beverages Recyclers Alliance (FBRA), clarifying that the government is not banning pure water but restricting plastics below 40 microns, which are harder to recycle and harmful to the environment.

The announcement was contained in a statement on the official Facebook page of the state government on Friday.

“The government is not banning pure water. We shall buy the sachets back, and we are working around the buyback process. I’m also glad that several interventions for recycling and reusing these products are in progress. We are planning on signing an MoU with Lafarge next week for a specific use at their factory,” Wahab said. 

The Commissioner explained that while Lagos banned styrofoam in January 2024, phasing out single-use plastics requires a more structured approach due to their widespread use.

The statement also highlighted Wahab’s remarks that, unlike styrofoam, which was relatively easier to phase out, single-use plastics remain deeply embedded across industries. He noted that many large supermarkets and retail outlets have already begun discouraging single-use plastic bags by offering thicker, reusable alternatives instead of free disposable bags.

Chairman of the Food and Beverages Recyclers Alliance (FBRA), Ziad Maclouf, welcomed the state government’s efforts, stressing that corporate stakeholders fully support the transition to sustainable alternatives.

He added that FBRA is actively promoting waste separation and recycling, encouraging businesses and consumers to adapt to the evolving regulations.

As Lagos advances its plastic waste management strategy, the government is urging residents to embrace reusable materials and participate in recycling initiatives.

The upcoming partnership with Lafarge is expected to strengthen plastic waste repurposing efforts and contribute to the state’s long-term sustainability goals.