Study Reveals Growing Informal Waste Economy in Ajegunle-Ikorodu

Fadekemi Ajakaiye

A new baseline study on waste management practices in the Ajegunle-Ikorodu informal settlement in Lagos State has revealed the existence of a thriving informal recycling economy despite mounting environmental and public health challenges confronting residents.

The study, conducted by the African Cities Research Consortium, Rethinking Cities and the Centre for Housing and Sustainable Development, examined waste disposal patterns, sanitation conditions and economic opportunities linked to recycling activities within the community.

Researchers combined quantitative household surveys involving over 400 families across three Community Development Associations — Ajegunle CDA, Irawo CDA and Thomas CDA — with extensive focus group discussions involving women, landlords, tenants and youth groups.

Findings from the report showed that a large number of residents lack access to formal waste collection services under Lagos State’s Private Sector Participation (PSP) waste management scheme.

As a result, many households resort to open burning, roadside dumping and indiscriminate disposal of refuse into drainage channels and canals.

The study identified plastics and food waste as the dominant components of household refuse, while only a small proportion of residents consistently separate recyclable materials.

Researchers noted that the consequences of poor waste disposal practices are already evident across the community, particularly through recurring flooding caused by blocked drainage systems.

Residents also reported widespread health concerns linked to unsanitary environmental conditions, including malaria outbreaks, cholera, typhoid and rodent infestations.

However, despite the environmental burden, the report highlighted a vibrant informal recycling network operating within the settlement, providing supplementary income for many households.

According to the findings, residents generate earnings from the collection and sale of recyclable materials such as plastics, metals and electronic waste, with income levels varying depending on the type and quantity of materials recovered.

The study further revealed a high level of awareness among residents regarding the environmental and health risks associated with indiscriminate waste disposal.

Many respondents expressed willingness to adopt improved waste management practices if affordable and accessible systems were introduced.

Among the major priorities identified by residents were the provision of more waste collection points, improved public education on waste separation and recycling, stronger environmental law enforcement, and the clearing of existing dump sites within the community.

Stakeholders, including women’s associations, landlords and youth organisations, also indicated readiness to support cooperative waste management systems and community-driven recycling initiatives.

Speaking on the findings, Co-Founder of Rethinking Cities, Deji Akinpelu, said the report demonstrated that Ajegunle-Ikorodu possesses the foundation for sustainable transformation.

“This study shows that Ajegunle-Ikorodu is not just facing a waste crisis, it is sitting on a powerful foundation for real change,” he said.

“With widespread engagement with informal recyclers and strong demand for improved collection systems and education, the community is primed for practical, locally driven solutions.”

According to Akinpelu, integrating formal waste management systems with the existing informal recycling economy could deliver cleaner environments, improved health outcomes and new economic opportunities for residents.

He disclosed that the research team was already collaborating with the Lagos Waste Management Authority, community leaders, local NGOs and private sector stakeholders to develop targeted interventions.

The proposed interventions include the establishment of community waste collection points, recycling education campaigns and pilot projects led by women and youth groups focused on waste-based enterprises.

Also speaking, Lagos City Manager for the African Cities Research Consortium, Temilade Sesan, described the initiative as evidence of the effectiveness of grassroots-driven urban solutions.

“The Ajegunle-Ikorodu waste collection point is a chance for us to demonstrate the power of community-driven solutions to the complex challenges faced by urban communities,” she stated.

Sesan explained that the project emerged through collaboration among residents, the Nigerian Slum/Informal Settlement Federation, Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area, University of Lagos, Rethinking Cities and other development stakeholders.

She noted that the initiative represents a shift away from heavily centralised urban interventions toward more inclusive models that prioritise local participation and ownership.

“With the new waste collection point, we expect to see not only improved sanitation outcomes but also enhanced income-generating opportunities for residents,” she added.

The organisations behind the study said the full baseline report would serve as a framework for evidence-based strategies aimed at transforming waste management practices in Ajegunle-Ikorodu into a model of urban resilience, environmental sustainability and circular economy innovation.