The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has urged residents to acquire smart bins for domestic storage of waste to promote a clean and sustainable environment.
Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, LAWMA Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, made the appeal on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at its headquarters in Ijora Olopa during a demonstration of the evacuation of smart bins by waste evacuation trucks.
He described the introduction of smart bins into the state’s waste management system as a significant advancement that would streamline the process of waste collection by assigned Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators.
“The smart bin has added features that improve its functionality.
“For instance, this smart bin has a Radio Frequency Identification chain that enables us to know when it is emptied by the PSP operators.
“With this bin, we can monitor and assess their performance,” Gbadegesin said.
According to him, the smart bin is geolocated to a specific residence.
“When you buy the smart bin, we deliver it to a house and pin it to that house. So, the bin is forever associated with that house.
“If it is stolen, we can track it, tell where the bin is, and monitor it remotely from our control room.
“The bins are not only smart but also durable with a 15-year warranty.
“They provide comfort to every resident and offer good quality for money,” Gbadegesin said.
He noted that the durability and tracking ability of the smart bins set them apart from traditional waste bins.
He added that the smart bins were colour-coded to encourage waste separation and recycling among residents.
“Getting this bin means you have now joined the new waste management system we are developing in the state.
“We have two types of bins: the green one for general waste and the blue one for recycling.
“If you have the recycling bin, there is an opportunity for you to receive incentives for the recyclables you collect,” Gbadegesin said.
He urged every Lagosian to embrace the innovation.
“It’s 2024, and with Artificial Intelligence and other innovations, Lagos can’t afford to be left behind.
“If you want to be part of the new Lagos, you need to get this smart bin. It will help us achieve our shared goal of keeping Lagos clean,” Gbadegesin said.
He appealed to Lagos residents to adopt the innovative initiatives introduced by the authority to improve waste management in the state.
Gbadegesin urged them to shun indiscriminate dumping of refuse and engage the services of assigned PSP operators.
By Fabian Ekeruche
