Waste Management Practices at the Unilag

**Waste Management Practices at the University of Lagos: A Student Advocate’s Perspective**
**Ogundipe Nurudeen Owolabi**
**300L, Department of Psychology, University of Lagos**
**June 8, 2024**
As a student at the University of Lagos, I have observed the institution's commendable efforts to
manage waste sustainably. Given the university's size and bustling population, effective waste
management practices are crucial for maintaining a clean and healthy environment. This essay delves
into the waste management strategies implemented on campus, their effectiveness, and areas for
potential improvement.
One of the primary waste management strategies at the University of Lagos is the segregation of
waste at the source. Around the campus, you will find an array of colour-coded bins designated for
different types of waste: green for organic waste, blue for recyclables such as plastics and paper, and
black for general waste. At strategic locations, there are separate bins specifically for PET bottles,
which are the most common waste on campus. This segregation simplifies the recycling process and
ensures that organic waste is composted rather than ending up in landfills.
The university partners with a waste management company that collects waste from all over the
school and transfers it to a landfill, where it is properly segregated. This company, along with other
partners, handles the recycling of various products. For example, PET bottles and aluminium cans are
collected and recycled into new products, contributing to the circular economy.
Furthermore, the university places significant emphasis on managing organic waste through
composting. Organic waste from campus dining facilities and garden trimmings is collected and
composted. This compost is then used to fertilise the university's green spaces, promoting a
sustainable loop where waste is transformed into valuable resources for landscaping and gardening.
Composting not only reduces the volume of waste sent to landfills but also enriches the soil, fostering
a greener campus. This practice aligns with global sustainability goals, emphasising the reduction of
greenhouse gas emissions associated with organic waste decomposition in landfills.
Moving forward, raising awareness among students and staff is a critical component of the
university's waste management strategy. Regular workshops and campaigns educate the campus
community about the importance of waste segregation, recycling, and overall environmental
stewardship. These initiatives aim to instil a sense of responsibility and encourage proactive
participation in waste management practices. Moreover, student organisations like Plogging
Nigeria_UNILAG Club, PlasticWize, and Green Hub often collaborate with the university
administration to organise clean-up drives and recycling competitions, fostering a culture of
environmental consciousness. A notable initiative is a recycling challenge where students who recycle
a certain amount of bottles are rewarded. Since its inception in 2023, this challenge has led to the
recycling of over 1.4 million bottles. By engaging students directly, these activities create a hands-on
learning experience, reinforcing the importance of sustainable practices.
However, despite the commendable efforts, there are areas that require attention and improvement.
One significant challenge is ensuring consistent participation in waste segregation. While the colour-
coded bins are a great initiative, not all students and staff consistently adhere to the guidelines.
Regular monitoring and reinforcement of these practices are necessary to maintain their
effectiveness. Additionally, expanding the composting programme to include more organic waste
sources, such as food waste from student residences, could further enhance waste reduction efforts.
Implementing more advanced waste-to-energy technologies could also be explored to manage non-
recyclable waste efficiently. Another area for improvement is the reduction of single-use plastics on
campus. While recycling is beneficial, reducing the initial use of plastics would have a more significant
impact. Encouraging the use of reusable containers and utensils in dining facilities and promoting
plastic-free events can contribute to this goal.
The University of Lagos has made significant strides in waste management through effective
segregation, recycling, and composting practices. By fostering a culture of awareness and
responsibility, the university not only manages its waste efficiently but also educates its community
on the importance of sustainability. However, continuous efforts to address existing challenges and
explore innovative solutions will be crucial in further enhancing these practices. As students, our
active participation and commitment to these initiatives are vital in supporting the university's
journey towards a more sustainable future.
**REFERENCES**
1. University of Lagos Sustainability Office (2023). Waste Management Initiatives. Retrieved from
[Unilag Sustainability](https://www.unilag.edu.ng/sustainability).
2. National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (2022). Guidelines for
Waste Management in Nigeria. Abuja: NESREA Publications.
3. Global Recycling Foundation (2023). The Importance of Recycling in Educational Institutions.
Retrieved from [Global Recycling Foundation](https://www.globalrecyclingfoundation.org/education).
4. United Nations Environment Programme (2021). Composting and Organic Waste Management.
Nairobi: UNEP Publications.

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Waste Management Practices at the University of Lagos: A Student Advocate’s Perspective

Ogundipe Nurudeen Owolabi

300L, Department of Psychology, University of Lagos

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