Lagos State Bans Usage Of Styrofoam, Other Single Use Plastics

Lagos State has banned the use and distribution of styrofoam and other single-use plastics in the state.

This was announced on Sunday in a statement by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab.

According to Wahab, the decision was reached following the menace that single-use plastics, especially the non-biodegradable Styrofoam, were causing on the environment. Stryrofoam is used to manufacture disposable plates used in eateries.

He added that most drainage channels in the state are daily clogged up by Styrofoam through its indiscriminate distribution and usage despite the regular cleaning and evacuation of the drains with humongous amounts.

“Following the menace which single-use plastics especially non-biodegradable Styrofoam are causing on the environment, the Lagos State government through the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources  is hereby announcing a ban on the usage and distribution of Styrofoam and other single-use plastics in the State with immediate effect.”

He reiterated that the larger chunk of littering across major roads and markets which Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) contends with daily is made up of styrofoam.

The Commissioner added that the State Government cannot fold its hands and watch the continued desecration of its environment especially for a coastal city.

He has subsequently directed LAWMA and the Kick Against Indiscipline to immediately commence the implementation of the ban.

He asked two agencies to clamp down on all the production companies and distribution outlets for Styrofoam in the state to prevent further distribution.

The Commissioner further advised producers, distributors, and end-users of these styrofoam packs to take the ban seriously and find alternatives or risk heavy fines, and other penalties including sealing of their premises.