FAQ


Frequently Asked Questions




Getting Started


Q: What is sustainable waste management?*

A: It means handling city waste so nothing gets wasted. We reduce what we generate, separate at source, then compost, recycle, or recover energy from the rest. The goal: zero trash to dumpsites or open burning.


Q: Why focus on urban cities?

A: Cities produce 70%+ of global waste but have the density to solve it. Shorter routes, more recyclers, and faster feedback loops make urban areas the best place to pilot circular systems.


Q: I live in a flat. Can I still do zero-waste?

A: Yes. Use a 2-bin system: wet/food waste and dry/recyclables. Bokashi bins or small worm composters handle food scraps without smell. Schedule a pickup for dry waste with local recyclers or drop at community hubs.


Households & Residents


Q: What’s the easiest way to start segregating at home?

A: 2 bins is enough. Bin 1: food, peels, soiled paper → compost/biogas. Bin 2: clean plastics, paper, metal, glass → recycling. Keep e-waste and hazardous waste like batteries separate. Do this for 2 weeks and it becomes habit.


 Q: What do I do with food waste if my estate has no composting?

A: 3 options: 1) Home bokashi or small bin, 2) Join a community compost hub, 3) Request pickup via WhatsApp from a biogas service. We list Lagos options [here – link].


 Q: Are “biodegradable” plastics actually better?

A: Only if they’re certified compostable _and_ go to industrial composters. In a Lagos dumpsite, they behave like regular plastic. Reducing single-use is still best.


Businesses & Estates


 Q.: How much can my office save by going zero-waste?

A: Most offices cut hauling costs 20-40% after segregation because recyclables get picked up free and organic waste volumes drop. You also get ESG data for reports. Book an audit and we’ll model your numbers.


 Q: We run a market/restaurant. Food waste is our biggest issue. Solutions?

A: Same-day segregation + biogas. We install small digesters that turn daily food waste into cooking gas for your kitchen. Payback is usually 8-14 months. No digester space? We run daily wet-waste pickup routes.


 Q: How do we get tenants to comply with new waste rules?

A: Combine 3 things: 1) Clear color-coded bins + signage, 2) Incentives like “cleanest floor” rewards, 3) Monthly data showing diversion rate. Behavior follows feedback.


 City Systems & Tech


 Q: What’s a micro-MRF and why build it in the neighborhood?

A: Micro Material Recovery Facility. It’s a small center where wet waste becomes compost in 48hrs and dry waste is sorted for sale. Local = fewer truck trips, faster turnaround, and jobs stay in the ward.


 Q: How do smart bins work? Are they expensive?

A: Sensors track fill-level so trucks only come when bins are 80% full. Cuts fuel, stops overflow, and reduces illegal dumping. Cost per bin has dropped 60% since 2023. We pilot them with estates and markets.


 Q:  Where does Lagos dump most of its waste today?

A: Olusosun and other dumpsites, but they’re beyond capacity. That’s why the state is pushing recycling, composting, and waste-to-energy. Dumpsites cost money. Circular systems create value.


 Community & Policy


 Q: How can my street or school start a program?

A: Start with 20 households or 1 school block. We run a 2-week “Waste Smart” workshop: bins, training, WhatsApp support, and pickup links. After 60 days we share your diversion data. Message us to book.


 Q: Is waste picking safe? How do we support informal recyclers?

A: Informal recyclers recover 60%+ of Lagos recyclables. We provide PPE, fair pricing, and integrate them into estate pickup routes so they earn more with dignity. Safety + inclusion = better recovery.


 Q: What laws should I know as a resident or business?

A: Lagos State Waste Management Authority requires segregation at source and bans street dumping. Fines apply. New EPR rules also make brands responsible for their packaging. We break down updates [here – link].


 Working With Us


 Q: Do you offer services or just write about this?

A: Both. The blog shares what works. Our team also runs audits, pilots, and full waste systems for estates, markets, corporates, and cities. Contact us if you want help beyond reading.


 Q: How fast can we see results?

A: Households: 2 weeks to form habits. Estates/markets: 30-60 days to hit 50% landfill diversion. Full ward-level systems: 3-6 months for infrastructure + behavior change.


 Still have questions?

WhatsApp us: +234 [8022153942, If it’s about your street, send a photo + location pin and we’ll point you to the nearest solution. Sustainablewastesolutionsinurbancities.blospot.com



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