LagosĀ Enforces Ban on Single-Use Plastics Starting January 2025

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The Lagos State Government will enforce the ban on single-use plastics from January 2025. Find out about the affected items and the new plastic waste fund.

Lagos Ban Single-Use Plastics

The Lagos State Government has taken a firm step towards managing plastic waste with the upcoming ban on single-use plastics (SUPs), starting from January 2025.

This was reaffirmed during an Engagement Workshop held on 3rd October in Ikeja, where the government shared its plans to enforce stricter plastic waste management.

The goal is to create a cleaner environment for everyone living in the state.

Lagos State to Enforce Ban on Single-Use Plastics

The state will enforce the ban on various single-use plastics, including styrofoam plates and cups, plastic straws, single-use cutlery, and nylon bags that are less than 40 microns.

These items, which have been banned since January 2024, will face active enforcement from January 2025, following a one-year grace period to allow stakeholders to adjust.

Extended Producer Responsibility for Plastic Waste Management

The Lagos State Government is adopting a policy known as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for plastic items like polyethylene terephthalate (PET), sachets, and carrier bags with a thickness of at least 40 microns.

Under this policy, producers will be held accountable for the entire lifecycle of their plastic products.

This means producers must take part in managing the collection, recycling, and disposal of their plastic waste.

Creation of Plastic Waste Management Fund

To support the management of plastic waste, the state has announced the establishment of a Plastic Waste Management Fund.

This fund will involve a collaboration between the State Government, Producers, and Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs).

The fund will be financed by contributions from plastic producers and major importers, and it will be jointly managed to effectively address plastic waste issues across the state.

Stakeholder Workshop and Awareness Campaign

The Engagement Workshop aimed to consolidate earlier agreements made with various stakeholders.

It also served as a launchpad for a comprehensive advocacy and enlightenment campaign.

The goal of this campaign is to educate producers, stakeholders, and the general public on the state’s approach to managing plastic waste and ensuring that everyone understands the new requirements.

The Lagos State Government remains committed to promoting sustainable practices that will protect the environment and improve the quality of life for all residents.