Muyiwa Gbadegesin, the managing director of LAWMA, disclosed the figures in Lagos, noting that the achievement reflects steady growth in the state’s formal recycling efforts. The latest figure represents an increase from 355.15 tonnes in 2024 and 305.63 tonnes in 2023, indicating a consistent upward trend in e-waste processing.

Rising E-Waste, Growing Response

E-waste, comprising discarded electronics such as mobile phones, computers, batteries, and household appliances, remains one of the fastest-growing waste streams globally, largely due to rapid technological advancement and consumption.

However, improper disposal poses serious environmental and health risks, as many of these materials contain toxic substances like lead, mercury, and arsenic.

In response, Lagos State has intensified efforts to ensure safe collection, recycling, and disposal of electronic waste.

Strengthening Recycling Infrastructure

Gbadegesin revealed that the state has established a dedicated e-waste management unit and partnered with 17 certified recycling companies and approved collection centres to ensure proper handling of hazardous materials.

The agency also plays a regulatory role by formalising informal waste operators, enforcing compliance with environmental standards, and expanding public awareness on safe e-waste disposal.

These measures are part of broader efforts by the Lagos State Government to build a structured and sustainable waste management ecosystem.

Experts Raise Concerns Over Capacity Gaps

Despite the progress, environmental experts warn that significant challenges remain.

Stakeholders have highlighted limited recycling capacity relative to the volume of waste generated; low public awareness at the household level, and continued dominance of informal recycling practices.

They also stress the need for stronger implementation of policies such as the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework and increased funding for environmental initiatives.

Toward a Circular Economy

As Nigeria’s commercial hub, Lagos generates thousands of tonnes of waste daily, making effective waste management critical to public health and environmental protection.

LAWMA’s progress in e-waste recycling signals a growing shift toward a circular economy, where waste is treated as a resource rather than discarded.

Outlook

While the 405-tonne milestone underscores improving capacity and awareness, experts agree that scaling infrastructure, policy enforcement, and public education will be essential to fully address Lagos’ growing e-waste challenge.

The state’s next phase will likely determine whether it can transition from incremental progress to system-wide transformation in waste management.

The drive, organized as part of the annual ITREALMS E-Waste Dialogue 2025, is scheduled for Thursday, November 20, 2025, and is timed to commemorate the International E-Waste Day (IEWD).

The collection scheme will run concurrently with the 2025 ITREALMS E-Waste Dialogue at the Welcome Centre Hotels, International Airport Road, Lagos. The event is anchored on the theme: “Nigeria: Recycle your e-waste – it’s critical!”

The collaboration ensures that small, end-of-life electronic devices are gathered and transferred to certified professionals for proper disposition, diverting them from landfills where they pose severe environmental risks.

Specific items targeted for collection include mobile phones, chargers, earpieces, pointers, and rechargeable torches.

Disclosing the collaboration, Ogbuefi Remmy Nweke, the group executive editor, ITREALMS Media, and Convener of the 2025 ITREALMS E-Waste Dialogue, urged the public to participate actively.

“We beckon to Nigerians, especially mobile phone users, to leverage this opportunity to dispose of mobile devices they no longer use, often in exchange for a voucher or gift item. This initiative has become time-serving because e-waste awareness has to be continuous; ITREALMS came up with this scheme to ensure people don’t miss the chance for proper disposition before the year ends,” Nweke said.

The theme of the technical session, he said, is “Stakeholders Role: Recycle your e-waste – it’s critical!” will be dissected by experts and key participants from industry organizations including the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN), Nigeria LNG, and various regulatory agencies.

The Dialogue is set to commence at 9:00 AM and run till the close of work hours on Thursday, November 20.

The expansion supports SYM’s mission to promote the reuse, repurposing, and responsible recycling of Apple devices across North America.

The company’s expansion opens a simple and secure avenue for Canadians to sell their used Apple devices for competitive value, while supporting the global initiative to minimise electronic waste. 

SYM Canada will focus exclusively on Apple products, including MacBooks, iPhones, iPads, and accessories, allowing for more accurate device assessments and higher payouts compared to multi-brand resellers.

Jon Murphy, general manager, ITAD Other World Computing (OWC), said the company’s entry into Canada aligns with its focus on sustainability and trust. 

“Expanding to Canada allows us to extend our mission of reuse and sustainability to a new community of Apple users,” Murphy said. “We’ve helped more than 100,000 customers in the U.S. recoup value from their devices, and now Canadians can experience that same level of trust, convenience, and service – right in their own backyard.”

SYM Canada is set to purchase a wide range of Apple devices including MacBook, MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac Mini, and Apple TV. The company will not buy pre-Intel-based Apple computers but will ensure their responsible disposal through r2 and e-Stewards certified zero-landfill recycling partners.

Since its founding in 2006 and rebranding in 2009, SYM has grown into one of the most trusted companies in the used Apple device market. Operating from its 8,000-square-foot facility in Blue Ash, Ohio, the company has paid out over $68 million to more than 100,000 customers trading in their old Apple products.

As part of the Other World Computing (OWC) group, SYM benefits from a parent company with a long history of innovation in professional-grade technology solutions. 

OWC, established in 1988, is known for its storage, docking, and connectivity products designed for creative professionals and businesses.

New requirements under the National Environmental Management: Waste Act now impose heavier penalties on improper disposal, while the expanded carbon tax framework brings Scope 3 emissions – including the full lifecycle impact of IT equipment – into sharp focus.

Qrent, a leading provider of sustainable IT asset management solutions, is helping CIOs and procurement leaders tackle both e-waste and carbon liability without breaking the budget. By combining high-performance, certified carbon-neutral remanufactured devices with end-to-end asset management, the company ensures every rand spent on IT delivers measurable environmental impact.

“The true cost of IT is no longer just about rands and cents,” says Kwirirai Rukowo, managing executive at Qrent. “With tougher e-waste regulations and rising carbon taxes, CIOs need solutions that deliver performance, compliance, and accountability – all in one package.”

Through its exclusive partnership with Circular Computing, Qrent offers remanufactured laptops built to the highest global sustainability standards and backed by third-party carbon-neutral certification.

Each device undergoes a rigorous 360-point quality and emissions assessment, guaranteeing verifiable offsets that CIOs can confidently report in boardrooms.

Qrent’s comprehensive services extend well beyond device procurement:

• Refurbishment & Rental: Extending asset lifecycles by up to five years, reducing raw-material extraction and e-waste volume.
• Maintenance & Redeployment: Regular updates and device swaps to maximise uptime and defer end-of-life.
• Responsible Recycling: When devices are retired, Qrent’s certified partners dismantle and process e-waste in compliance with global best practices, recovering valuable metals and neutralising hazardous substances.

“Smart procurement is now sustainability-led,” Rukowo explains. “Every time a business chooses a Qrent carbon-neutral laptop, they’re cutting e-waste, reducing carbon liability, and supporting the circular economy – without compromising on enterprise-grade performance.”

With Scope 3 emissions now under scrutiny, Qrent’s transparent, data-driven approach helps organisations meet Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) commitments and stay ahead of evolving regulations.

By integrating these solutions into their carbon-reporting frameworks, companies can demonstrate real-world impact – rather than wishful greenwashing.

“We invite forward-thinking businesses to take control of their carbon and e-waste roadmaps. There’s no need to wait for penalties to hit the bottom line,” Rukowo concludes. “The technology and processes exist today – our role is to make them simple, transparent, and cost-effective.”

The collection drive will accept a wide range of electronic devices, including monitors, computers, tablets, e-readers, printers, microwaves, electric jugs, blenders, keyboards, and other unwanted electronic devices. Lagos residents can drop off their e-waste at two convenient locations:

• 104 Obafemi Awolowo Way (opposite Access Bank), Ikeja, Lagos
• Nelle Mall, 16 Admiralty Way, Lekki Phase 1, Victoria Island, Lagos

Collection centers will be open daily from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM throughout the drive.

This collection drive serves as a prelude to an upcoming sustainability forum where distinguished Nigerian leaders will convene to discuss environmental innovation and responsible recycling practices.

The forum aims to catalyze broader conversations about sustainability and environmental stewardship in Nigeria.

As global concern for the environment escalates and regulators take measures to tackle electronic waste (e-waste), particularly through the enactment of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws, it becomes imperative to carefully evaluate the costs and advantages associated with EPR compliance.

The mounting accumulation of discarded electrical and electronic gadgets poses a significant challenge for South Africa.

As per information provided on Gauteng’s official government platform, the nation generates approximately 360,000 tons of e-waste annually, with the Gauteng province contributing to 55% of this total.

It’s imperative to enhance consumer awareness regarding the proper disposal methods for their electronic devices to prevent an environmental crisis.

EPR legislation

In November 2021, a significant milestone passed for manufacturers, importers, and distributors in South Africa dealing with electric and electronic equipment, lighting products, batteries, and packaging.

Although the new EPR legislation places the responsibility on importers and manufacturers to ensure environmentally friendly management of their products, which may include product recycling, its success could be severely impeded if consumers remain uninformed about how to handle their old appliances.

The EPR legislation marking a pivotal moment in the country’s efforts to address the mounting issue of e-waste and promote a circular economy.

This legislation obligates producers to take responsibility for their products throughout their entire lifecycle, ensuring responsible recycling and disposal at the end of their usefulness.

The aim of EPR legislation is clear: to curb the environmental impact of waste products, particularly e-waste and lithium-ion batteries, which have long plagued landfills and ecosystems.

However, while the legislation presents a necessary step forward, its implementation has faced challenges and met with resistance from producers.

EPR legislation encompasses a range of products, including e-waste, lighting, batteries, and packaging. Among these, e-waste and lithium-ion batteries stand out as focal points due to their significant environmental impact and complex recycling requirements.

Guidance and support for producers

As a result, many producers have turned to companies like Desco Electronic Recyclers for assistance in the complexities of EPR compliance, particularly in the realm of e-waste and battery recycling.

With over three decades of experience in electronic recycling, the company can help producers fulfil their obligations under EPR legislation.

In recent years, it has expanded its services to include the recycling of lithium-ion batteries, recognising the critical need to address this emerging waste stream.

Through pilot studies and investment in technology, Desco has developed specialised solutions for lithium-ion battery recycling, providing producers with a viable option for responsible disposal. However, despite the availability of recycling solutions, producers have faced reluctance and pushback in complying with EPR legislation.

For many, the prospect of additional costs and administrative burdens associated with EPR compliance has been met with resistance. Moreover, the role of Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs) in enforcing compliance has led to further apprehension among producers.

Driving positive change 

As a trusted partner for producers, Desco offers guidance and support in addressing the complexities of EPR compliance.

By providing transparent reporting and tailored solutions, the company enables producers to meet their obligations under the law while minimising the administrative burden and costs associated with compliance.

Central to its approach is the emphasis on choosing the right PRO and ensuring transparent communication between producers, recyclers, and regulatory authorities.

By facilitating direct access to data and compliance reporting, Desco empowers producers to make informed decisions and advocate for their interests within the EPR framework.

Through innovation, collaboration, and advocacy, the company aims to drive positive change in the electronic recycling industry and pave the way for a more sustainable future.

[Featured Image Credit]

The EPRON members aligning their partnership with 2023 ITREALMS E-Waste Dialogue are EL-AS Tech Enterprises Limited and WEEE Eco-Friendly.

ITREALMS’ day-long collection scheme is part of the commemoration of 2023 international E-Waste Day (IEWD) within the ITREALMS E-Waste Dialogue with the theme “You Can Recycle Anything with a plug, battery or cable” at Welcome Centre Hotels, International Airport Road, Lagos.

Revealing this collaboration, the Group Executive Editor, ITREALMS Media, the organisers of the 2023 ITREALMS E-Waste Dialogue, Remmy Nweke, urged mobile device enthusiasts to come along with their devices that have reached their end-of-life to the venue for proper disposition by professionals who would also be on grounds to address some topical issues.

Also, he said, the collection of small electronic wastes especially mobile phones and like-devices, would be carried out by EPRON member organisation, EL-AS Tech Enterprises Limited as facilitated by ITREALMS Media group as part of this year’s ITREALMS E-Waste Dialogue on Friday, December 15.

In addition, he said that the exercise would commence at Welcome Centre Hotel by 9am till close of work hours the same day.

Nweke pointed out that the collection of small e-waste items would include mobile phones, pointers mouse, earpieces, rechargeable torches, phone chargers, to name a few.

Further, he said, that this initiative has become time-serving because some people may have missed any other opportunity before now for the year-long campaign, hence this awareness on e-Waste has to be continuous, “ITREALMS came up with this scheme.”

Nweke beckoned on Nigerians, especially mobile phone users, to leverage the opportunity in disposing of their mobile devices they no longer use, of course in exchange for a voucher or gift item.

In her reaction to this year’s day-long small waste collection, EPRON Executive Secretary, Mrs. Ibukun Faluyi, described the initiative as commendable, expressing confidence it would intensify the collection of end-of-life devices for proper disposition.

Mrs. Faluyi, also urged Nigerians to take advantage of this day-long collection of small wastes courtesy of ITREALMS Media.

Recalling for instance that in October 2022, EPRON had partnered SLOT alongside some UN agencies for collection of small e-waste items in Lagos, including the United Nations Information Centres (UNIC), United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), International Labour Organisation (ILO), Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA).

Even as the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Dr. Aminu Maida and Director-General, National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Prof. Aliyu Jauro, would both lead speakers at the 2023 ITREALMS E-Waste Dialogue slated for this Friday, December 15, in Lagos.

The world’s natural reserves are fast diminishing at a worrisome speed, almost two times quicker than mother earth can recreate.

This figure is projected to be 2.3 times what is sustainable by 2050. Yearly, 50 million tonnes of e-waste contribute to this, which is tantamount to the size of all commercial aircraft ever made. 

Hence, achieving a sustainable environment is incumbent on implementing a circular business model like waste reduction, recycling, and regenerating products, and advocating sustainable production processes. Nonetheless, global economy is just 7.2% circular – implying that more ground needs to be covered. 

With an essential role expected of multinationals, organizations of every size and sector can still adopt circular business models.

Considerably, SMEs are driving platform sharing and collaborative consumption much as start-ups, from the onset, are incorporating circular models. An excellent example of this seen in Nigeria, where business sustainability focus is circular as propagated by the Nigeria Circular Economy Working Group, a founding member of the Africa Circular Economy Alliance. 

Incidentally, HP is deepening sustainability with years of experience. Its operations’ journey, particularly, will be entirely circular, driven by services and products modifications. Below are few approaches to reference: 

Getting the Buy-in of the Considerate Consumer  

Customers are getting more aware today than ever. So, businesses that make circularity a priority will accomplish long-term environmental and commercial profits; and ultimately fulfil customer expectations. 

While circularity models need upfront funding, it helps to reduce outlays, optimize efficiency, and even discover new revenue sources. To further endear customer trust and loyalty, organizations must offer measurement tools that identify waste prevention and cost optimization mechanisms that help to establish enterprise superiority. 

Circular enterprise models also produce profitable results. For instance, our Sustainable Impact Strategy has been boosted by HP’s socio-economic components on climate-focused programs. HP’s alliance with NGOs to launch an ocean-bound plastics recycling program to help indigenous workers is yielding positives in Haiti. Now, these plastics are fused into HP products design aesthetics, encouraging circularity, and providing revenue and homegrown education opportunities. 

Start and continue with the environment as a priority  

As a rule, circular products are designed with environmental considerations from the start. Sustainable sourcing should be among the initial priorities, with concentration on ethical practices and ambitious but attainable goals.

This ties in to ‘Circular Lagos’, a sustainability initiative of the Lagos State government which seeks to design economic value from waste recycling. 

As reference case, HP, since 2016 has mandated all its brand papers to be derived from ecologically reusable or certified sources. It was extended to paper-based packaging in 2020 for home and office printers and supplies, PCs and displays.

By 2030, HP’s goal is to become Forest Positive; thereby, eliminating deforestation for non-HP paper used in print services and product lines. 

What creates distinction in packaging is innovation. 100% compostable chitin-based materials are a new development, whereas 3D-printed moulded fibre tooling can drive eco-packaging at scale. Printing improvements, including printing directly onto product cargo boxes and using water-based inks most likely initiate supplementary benefits. HP’s goal is to eradicate 75% of single-use plastic packaging by 2025 compared to 2018―as of 2021, we were halfway there. Commendable Indeed! 

Decrease waste, enhance lifecycle 

One vital aspect for electronic devices is energy usage, though this can be puzzling for consumers. Companies and institutions can help customers make valid choices. Also with comparison tools, manufacturers can assist with clear and accurate details on labels, packaging, along with marketing and brand collaterals.  

HP supplies are often highly valued for repairability, with institutions like iFixit providing reparability scores and self-repair (DIY) guides. Institutions can help in reducing request for fresh raw supplies by giving extended warranties and ensuring repair options. 

Clearly, sustainable customer experience can be improved with ‘as-a-service models’; whilst promoting circularity through company-led takeback; hence, responsible companies aim to be value facilitators via repair and reuse of supplies when customers are done with them. 

Significance of closed-loop recycling 

Closed-loop reutilizing plays huge part in circularity, and HP is loaded with initiatives to support it. A good case study is HP’s Planet Partners program that helps to ensure that ink and toner cartridges do not end up in landfills. Over a billion cartridges have been recycled through this program, a major landmark in 2023. Provisionally, HP’s Evocyle toner cartridges, made from closed-loop recycled plastic, are serving the sustainability goals of customers in France, Germany, and the UK. 

In the reuse of a much wider range of resources, we are also getting better. For example, you might find bio-derived content like coffee grounds in monitors or cooking oil in laptop covers. 

Partnership−a necessary paradigm for enterprise scaling  

A circular business model is vital. It’s hinged on team play and partnerships with strategic stakeholders – government, suppliers, merchants/dealers etc.

Strengthening networks with NGOs, research institutes, and think tanks, also positions serious institutions above contemporaries. Lagos has entrenched the model by introducing initiatives which encourage community members to drop off used plastic bottles and containers at designated recycling points for reuse.  

To improve its fibre sourcing and certification programs, HP is collaborating with World Wildlife Fund and the Forest Stewardship Council.  

Regardless of where they are on their circularity journey, collaboration certainly benefits all types of companies. Participating in industry bodies, working with manufacturing partners, and ideas exchange with regulators and professional associations can help advance policy influencing, build consensus, and progress legislation. 

Institutions with established existing programs perhaps extend their impact by involving their business environment. Another reference now driving change at scale is HP’s Amplify Impact partner program, which has engaged over 3,500 partners worldwide. 

Envision the future 

A vision of a more regenerative and sustainable future is presented with the concept of a circular economy. It could boost the global economy by $4.5 trillion by 2030, if executed appropriately, with accountable sourcing and packaging, materials and products that remain in use longer, and closed loop recycling. 

Evolution to circularity is now a necessity with no option. To actualize it, we must immediately shift mindsets, embrace circular practices, and cultivate alliance and frameworks essential for success. Bountiful rewards sure await the businesses that leads the way.  

Nigeria, the leading importer of electrical and electronic equipment on the African continent which processes over half a million tons of discarded electronics each year, in January 2022, amended its national environmental regulations to tackle the country’s growing e-waste problem.  

So, whether you are just starting or already on the path ― the time is here and now to take the next big step. The future is indeed circular, and it’s up to businesses globally to make it come to fruition.  

There is, therefore, an urgent need for a radical shift; one that will help us reduce the impact of climate change. While setting global targets and measuring progress at the United Nations’ annual Climate Conference of the Parties (COP), and the Biodiversity Conference are indeed great steps, it will take the concerted efforts of the private sector and governments, as well as advanced sustainable innovations, to shift the needle.

At Ericsson, we believe that Information Communications Technology (ICT) is a critical piece in this process and has a role to play in helping sub-Saharan Africa achieve its climate targets.

Our research on ICT’s potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in 2030 revealed that ICT solutions have a high potential to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by up to 15 percent.

We are keenly pursuing our ambition to reduce global warming by achieving a Net Zero emission status across our value chain by 2040. We have made steady progress, and we are confident that we will hit our first major milestone of cutting emissions by 50% in the supply chain and portfolio by 2030.

Ericsson strives to develop, sell and deliver hardware, software, services and solutions with excellent sustainability performance and contributes to the sustainable development of society. Our Enterprise offerings support other industrial sectors, such as energy, manufacturing, and transportation, in their transition towards a low-carbon economy.

We are also leading with technological innovations that will help reduce network energy usage. These include solutions that allow operator networks to use as little energy as possible while handling the expected growth in data traffic and meeting the needs of both current and future 5G networks.

As we move toward 2025, Ericsson believes it is possible to scale up 5G, while simultaneously aiming to break the rising energy consumption curve. We have streamlined our approach into three core elements; plan differently with a focus on a sustainable network evolution; deploy differently by effectively modernizing the existing network when scaling 5G; and operate differently by leveraging artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and automation.

Our sustainability drive is backed by a strategy that ensures we take pragmatic steps to dispose of e-waste responsibly.

Equipment from the technology and telecommunications industries, in the end, becomes e-waste and contributes to global climate issues. If not properly disposed of, components in waste electronic equipment can lead to environmental consequences, such as an increase in greenhouse gas emissions, in addition to other environmental impacts including harm to biodiversity.

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According to the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), a record 53.6 million metric tonnes (Mt) of e-waste was generated around the world in 2019, and it is predicted that the annual generation of e-waste will reach 74.7 Mt by 2030.

Through our Product Take-Back (PTB) management program, we work with our customers to recycle waste electrical and electronic equipment in accordance with the law and high environmental standards. We have decommissioned equipment at no cost to over 40 customers, covering 28 countries across Africa.

Approximately 8,271 tonnes of waste electronic and electrical equipment was taken back from Ericsson’s operating countries from January 2012 to August 2022, of which approximately 98% was successfully recycled.

Additionally, we know that high reuse and recycling rates start with smart product design, so we make responsible material choices, increase our use of recycled materials, and design products that enable efficient recycling.

As global and business leaders, civil society groups, and scientists continue to tackle the climate change agenda, we must all understand our critical role in securing a sustainable and safer future for generations. Thinking that environmental sustainability is another person’s responsibility will mean a complete failure. For me, this is a crucial lesson we learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. We are all responsible for our future.

Sustainability is a key component of our #AfricainMotion campaign, which we launched a couple of years ago to empower a sustainable and connected Africa. We will continue to enable sustainable growth, economic development and open opportunities for all across the continent.

This is a promise!