Zero Waste Market Campaign in Epe LGA of Lagos State, powered by CODAF and ZEWA.

Описание: Giving Waste A New Purpose in Markets

As pioneers of sustainable waste management, Zero Waste Ambassadors brought the markets to life with its Zero Waste Market campaign at Ayetoro Market and Oluwo Fish Marke in Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State, to Promote Waste Segregation, Composting and Black Soldier Fly farming.

The campaign which held on the 29th of November at Ayeyoro market also marked the launching of a community-wide sensitization campaign followed by the Oluwo fish market on the 12th of December, aimed at informing traders on waste segregation and its importance, highlighting the dangers of dumping organic waste at dumpsites.

The campaign, conducted under the Multi-Solving Action for Methane Reduction Project implemented by the Community Development Advocacy Foundation (CODAF), reached more than 50 traders, with women constituting approximately 70% of participants. Using an open-air public-address system, the team delivered engaging and accessible messages in both Yoruba and Pidgin English to accommodate the diverse backgrounds of market users.

Speaking during the exercise, Zero Waste Ambassador Temitope Adeosun spoke on the economic and environmental value of separating organic waste from plastics and other materials. He explained that when left mixed, organic waste loses its potential for compost processing and contributes significantly to methane emissions when dumped at landfills.

The campaign also highlighted the harmful practice of open waste burning at markets and households. Adepoju Adebowale, another member of ZeWA, warned that burning waste, especially plastics, releases toxic chemicals linked to asthma, cancer, and respiratory distress.

Traders expressed enthusiasm about learning that properly separated organic waste can be transformed into compost, a valuable input for farms. Some immediately requested practical training on compost-making, recognizing the potential for additional income generation and improved cleanliness within the market environment.

The Zero Waste Ambassadors say the strong level of interest from traders demonstrates a clear opportunity for Lagos State to lead a transformative shift in waste management at the community level.

The concept of waste segregation opens a door to new possibilities in waste repurposing as a majors part of active waste management processes.