By Abdullahi Lukman
In a bold step to address plastic pollution and advance sustainable waste management, Ogun State has unveiled two innovative initiatives—Plastic for Cash and Blue Box—aimed at reducing plastic waste, boosting recycling, and driving a circular economy that benefits both the environment and local communities.
Announced on Monday during the 2025 World Environment Day celebration at the Olowu of Owu Kingdom’s palace, the programmes respond to the global theme, “Beating Plastic Pollution,” underscoring Ogun State’s commitment to combating this pressing environmental crisis.
According to the State Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, Nigeria generates over 35 million metric tonnes of waste annually, with Ogun State responsible for more than 1.6 million metric tonnes.
About 32,000 metric tonnes of this waste are plastics, which pose severe threats to ecosystems by clogging waterways, contaminating soils, and harming biodiversity.
Oresanya highlighted that local recycling firms currently process roughly 2,000 metric tonnes of plastic daily but called for more comprehensive, community-focused approaches to stem pollution and protect natural habitats.
The Plastic for Cash initiative incentivizes residents to collect and exchange plastic waste for money or valuable goods, creating new income streams especially for youth, women, and low-income households, while promoting responsible waste disposal and reducing environmental degradation from single-use plastics such as bottles, bags, and straws.
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Complementing this, the Blue Box programme, led by the Ogun State Waste Management Authority, introduces systematic house-to-house waste segregation, encouraging households to separate recyclables from organic and general waste.
This model is designed to enhance recycling efficiency, reduce landfill overuse, and lessen the ecological footprint of urban waste.
To oversee these efforts, Ogun State has established a plastic management committee comprising government bodies, manufacturers’ associations, and academic institutions.
The committee will manage a single-use plastic management fund to support buy-back schemes, expand recycling infrastructure, and create green jobs across the plastic waste value chain.
Oresanya emphasized that addressing plastic pollution requires more than policies; it demands a fundamental behavioural shift toward sustainability.
“Beating plastic pollution is a lifestyle change and a collective responsibility,” he said, urging continued public engagement and partnerships.
With these initiatives, Ogun State aims to become a leader in Nigeria’s transition toward circular economic practices and climate-smart urban development, demonstrating how local action can yield significant environmental and social benefits.
