Lagos scavengers face daily risks as they sort through waste at major dumpsites, often using their bare hands to retrieve recyclable materials. The lack of protective gear exposes them to severe health hazards, including bacterial infections, toxic chemical exposure, and injuries from heavy machinery. Despite contributing to Waste Management and recycling, these individuals unknowingly endanger themselves and the wider public by handling contaminated materials without gloves or masks. Investigations by PUNCH Healthwise reveal that many scavengers work in unsafe conditions at Olusosun, Soluos, and Ikorodu landfills, with no structured health support or protective measures in place.
The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) oversees waste disposal in the city, yet scavengers at its managed dumpsites remain vulnerable to workplace hazards. With Lagos generating an estimated 5.46 million tonnes of waste annually, waste management is a growing concern, yet those on the frontlines of sorting refuse lack basic safety provisions. Scavengers recount incidents of severe injuries, including legs crushed by heavy-duty vehicles, with little to no formal medical assistance provided. Some injured workers are reportedly sent to Mile 12 for initial treatment before being transferred to northern Nigeria, a process that highlights the informal and precarious nature of their work.
Prolonged exposure to hazardous waste endangers scavengers’ health.
In addition to physical injuries, long-term exposure to toxic waste poses an even greater danger to the health of these workers. Decomposing plastics, medical waste, and industrial chemicals release harmful substances into the air, which scavengers inhale daily. Many suffer from chronic respiratory issues, infections, and skin diseases due to prolonged contact with hazardous materials. The absence of safety regulations and enforcement at these sites suggests a systemic failure to address the Welfare of those engaged in waste recovery, a crucial but overlooked sector of the city’s waste management system.
While LAWMA’s vision includes creating a cleaner and healthier Lagos, the reality at dumpsites contradicts this goal. Scavengers report that essential protective gear, such as gloves and masks, is not provided, leaving them exposed to numerous health risks. Some resort to using discarded hospital gloves, further compounding the risk of infections. Without intervention, the unsafe practices at dumpsites will continue to threaten both the scavengers and the broader community as waste-related diseases spread beyond landfill sites.
Stronger policies and public awareness can improve scavengers’ safety.
Addressing this issue requires a comprehensive approach involving the government, private waste management firms, and Public Health experts. Enforcing safety regulations, supplying protective gear, and providing healthcare access for scavengers can mitigate the risks associated with their work. Additionally, formalising their activities within the waste management system could help ensure safer working conditions while maximising the benefits of Recycling and waste sorting. Providing proper training on waste handling and segregation would further reduce their exposure to hazardous materials and improve overall waste management efficiency.
Public awareness about the health hazards linked to scavenging is also crucial in pressuring authorities to act. Many Lagosians remain unaware of the direct connection between improper waste handling and the spread of diseases. Open-air dumpsites and unregulated scavenging expose both workers and nearby communities to risks, including bacterial infections and respiratory illnesses. Encouraging safer waste disposal practices and ensuring better waste management policies will not only improve scavengers’ conditions but also enhance public health outcomes. Community engagement, media campaigns, and educational initiatives can help drive home the urgency of proper waste management and its impact on public health.
Related Article: National digital repository for waste pickers
Overall, the plight of Lagos scavengers remains unaddressed, the consequences could extend beyond the dumpsites. A city reliant on informal waste management without adequate safety measures is at risk of larger public health crises. Poorly managed waste can lead to disease outbreaks and environmental contamination, putting more lives at risk. Urgent action is needed to protect those who risk their lives daily to keep Lagos clean. Strengthening waste management infrastructure, increasing Investment in recycling, and prioritising safety regulations are critical to addressing this issue before it escalates further.