![SAN FRANCISCO - MARCH 2: Recycled plastic bottles are seen at the San Francisco Recycling Center March 2, 2005 in San Francisco, California. Bottled water is the single largest growth area among all beverages, more than doubling over the last decade. Only about 12 percent of plastic bottles, mostly water, were recycled in 2003, according to industry consultant R.W. Beck, Inc. Since most bottled water is consumed away from home where recycling isn't an option, an estimated 40 million bottles a day go into the trash or become litter. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)](https://greenhubafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/GetPaidStock.com-626a3ed964b01.jpg)
![Bags loaded with plastic waste at Kara, Ibafo, Ogun State in southwest Nigeria, on April 1, 2021. - The sprawling neighbouring Lagos megacity of 20 million people produces between 13,000 and 15,000 tons of waste per day, including 2,250 0f plastics,according to the Lagos-based recycling sart-up Wecyclers. (Photo by PIUS UTOMI EKPEI / AFP) (Photo by PIUS UTOMI EKPEI/AFP via Getty Images)](https://greenhubafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/GetPaidStock.com-626a3deb8f405.jpg)
![A photo taken on June 2, 2018 shows plastic wastes dumped in water channels at Isolo in Lagos, Nigeria's commercial capital. - The United Nations celebrate on June 5 the World Environmental Day dedicated this year to the theme "Beat Plastic Pollution". (Photo by PIUS UTOMI EKPEI / AFP) (Photo credit should read PIUS UTOMI EKPEI/AFP via Getty Images)](https://greenhubafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/GetPaidStock.com-626a3809b3d54.jpg)
Waste Management
In Nigeria, a significant portion of the waste generated is often improperly managed or disposed of, resulting in environmental pollution and health-related concerns. As of 2021, recycling rates in Nigeria, including Lagos, remain relatively low, with a substantial quantity of recyclable materials finding their way into landfills or open dumps. Reports indicate that Lagos alone generates an estimated 13,000 metric tonnes of waste daily, while the entire country generates approximately 32 million tonnes of solid waste annually. Despite efforts by both the government, certain private sectors, and a handful of individuals to implement effective waste management practices, recycling, and the reduction of single-use plastics, these initiatives have made limited progress towards achieving a sustainable future.