LAWMA faces mounting complaints over delayed refuse evacuation amid rising diesel costs and alleged illegal dumping by operators

Residents in several parts of Lagos State have expressed frustration over delays in household waste collection, even as Private Sector Participants (PSP operators) push for higher monthly fees citing increasing fuel and logistics costs. The complaints, which peaked this June, come as many neighbourhoods report that refuse has gone uncollected for weeks despite regular payments to licensed operators.

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) oversees a network of PSP operators responsible for residential and commercial waste removal across the state. Residents pay these operators directly, but recent weeks have seen a surge in reports of missed pickups and piles of rubbish accumulating in streets and drainage channels. Some residents also allege that certain operators have dumped collected waste at unauthorised sites—such as roadsides and open spaces—instead of transporting it to official landfills, a practice believed to reduce costs for the operators but worsen environmental hazards in affected communities.

PSP operators argue that surging diesel prices, vehicle maintenance expenses, and rising spare parts costs are undermining their ability to provide consistent service at current rates. While acknowledging these economic pressures, many residents remain dissatisfied, insisting that service quality has deteriorated even as they continue to pay the agreed fees. “We keep paying every month but our streets are still filled with refuse,” one resident said during a community meeting.

According to LAWMA figures, its officials and PSP partners evacuated more than 418,500 tonnes of waste across Lagos in May 2026 alone and cleared 173 waste black spots within the state. The agency also received 474 complaints or service requests during the same period. LAWMA’s Managing Director attributed operational setbacks to heavy rainfall affecting disposal infrastructure and causing logistical strain during the wet season. However, the authority did not address specific allegations regarding illegal dumping by some PSP operators.

The situation has left many communities worried about blocked drains leading to increased risk of flooding and disease outbreaks as the rainy season deepens. Public health experts warn that accumulated refuse can serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes and other disease vectors. Until both residents—who must properly bag and sort their waste—and PSP operators—who must collect and legally dispose of it—fulfil their obligations, stakeholders say the cycle of unreliable service is likely to persist.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/lagos-residents-complain-poor-waste-collection-2026061510374466653