From Trash to Treasure: How Nigerians are Turning Waste into Wealth

In Nigeria, where unemployment and environmental pollution persist, resourceful individuals like Mutiat Adeleke are pioneering innovative solutions to transform waste into wealth. Though a university janitor, Adeleke, during her free perio,d collects and sells recyclable materials. 

With a keen eye for opportunity, she sees beyond the discarded plastics and cartons that litter the streets, recognising them as a valuable source of additional income. She explained that transport costs, rising food prices, and other daily needs often leave her struggling. However, by selling collected waste materials to recycling companies, she earns extra cash that eases her financial burden. 

“With the money I make, I can afford transport fares without stress, buy things I couldn’t normally afford, and even save a little,” she told Campus Reporter.

From Waste to Wealth

Nigeria faces a dual crisis: rising unemployment and worsening environmental pollution. The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reports that while over 70 per cent of Nigerians were employed in early 2023, many were engaged in low paying or unstable jobs, with 12.2 per cent working fewer than 40 hours per week and seeking more work.

This has driven many to explore alternative income sources, including waste recycling, entrepreneurship and other small scale businesses. According to the World Bank, Nigeria currently generates at least 32 million tonnes of solid waste annually, and this number is projected to rise to 107 million tonnes by 2050, much of it ending up in streets, drainage systems, and dumpsites.

With formal job opportunities scarce, informal waste collection and recycling have emerged as alternative income streams, particularly for low-income earners, youths, and women who are often marginalised in the labour market. 

Organisations like Wecyclers, RecyclePoints, and Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) are leading the way in creating structured opportunities for people to earn through waste collection. For many Nigerians, waste picking is no longer just about survival, it’s a business. 

Testimonials 

Like Adeleke, informal waste collectors, often called “wastepreneurs,” are turning discarded materials into economic opportunities, supplying recycling companies with plastic, metal, and glass for reuse.

“I used to work as a labourer, carrying heavy loads for daily wages, but the job was unpredictable and exhausting. Then I started collecting and selling recyclable waste, and it has given me a more stable source of income,” said Sikiru Mulikat, a mother of three, who has discovered new opportunities in recycling. “Now, I can support my children and even set some money aside for the future.”

Also, some young Nigerians are launching innovative startups that combine waste collection with tech-driven solutions. 

John Akande, an environmental enthusiast, founded Johllak Environmental Management, a waste management initiative that transforms plastic waste into reusable products. His journey began with a simple concern for the growing plastic pollution in his community, but he later saw an opportunity to create both impact and employment.

“I started this because I was deeply bothered by the amount of plastic waste clogging our streets. At first, it was just about finding a solution to keep my community clean, but as I researched more, I realised that plastic waste is not just a problem, it’s an opportunity. I met others who shared my vision, and together, we built a system that not only helps the environment but also creates jobs for people who were previously unemployed,” Akande explained to Campus Reporter.

“Now, instead of plastic ending up in landfills or causing pollution, we turn it into valuable products. Seeing waste collectors earn a stable income and watching our materials get repurposed into useful items motivates me to keep pushing for a greener future,” he added. “We currently produce kegs, chairs, buckets, tiles, school desks, roofing sheets, pipes, and phone cases. These products are durable, affordable, and help reduce environmental degradation. Our goal is to scale up production, collaborate with more recycling plants, and ultimately change the way people see waste. If we can turn trash into something useful while improving lives, then we are on the right path,” he explains.

Similarly, Wale Ajani, founded Ajara environmental management. His organisation is dedicated to turning waste into economic opportunities while promoting environmental sustainability. Instead of focusing solely on traditional recycling methods, Ajani’s approach is centered on community engagement, policy advocacy, and large-scale waste repurposing. 

“Our goal is to change the way people see waste. Many still think of it as something to be discarded, but we see potential whether it’s plastic, metal, or organic waste, each has value if processed correctly,” he explained.

He has partnered with waste collectors, local governments, and private companies to build a structured recycling system. His team focus not just on collection but also on educating communities about waste disposal, segregation, and the financial benefits of recycling.

“We’ve trained hundreds of individuals, especially youths and women, on how to turn waste into wealth. Some have started their own waste collection businesses, while others now supply recyclables to industries,” Ajani added. “The waste sector in Nigeria has massive potential. If the government and private sector invest in it, we can create thousands of jobs, reduce environmental pollution, and even generate sustainable energy.”

The setback 

Despite the promising opportunities in the waste sector, significant challenges remain. Many informal waste collectors work in unsafe conditions, handling hazardous materials without protective gear. This exposes them to health risks such as respiratory issues, skin infections, and injuries from sharp objects.

Moreover, societal perception remains a significant barrier. Waste collection is often regarded as a low-status, menial job associated with poverty, which makes it difficult for waste collectors to gain recognition or respect.

Financial constraints also limit the sector’s growth. Many small-scale recyclers struggle to afford the necessary machinery for large-scale operations, relying on manual labor that slows productivity. Without financial support or access to investment, expanding waste management ventures is a constant struggle for many entrepreneurs.

“There’s still a stigma around waste picking,” Adekola Abdulsalam, a sustainable waste management advocate told our reporter. “People don’t realise how much impact waste recycling has on job creation and environmental sustainability.”

Potentials

One key area of opportunity is waste-to-energy projects, where organic waste is converted into electricity through processes like biogas production and incineration. These projects do not only address Nigeria’s energy crisis but also reduce landfill waste and greenhouse gas emissions.

Another promising model is the circular economy, where waste materials are repurposed into new products instead of being discarded. This model promotes sustainable practices such as recycling, upcycling, and the production of eco-friendly building materials, reusable packaging, and even fashion accessories made from plastic waste.

For Nigeria to tap into the economic value of its waste sector, stronger policies and infrastructure development are essential. Investments in modern recycling plants, waste sorting facilities, and incentives such as tax breaks for recycling businesses could significantly boost the industry. Public awareness campaigns would also be crucial in changing societal attitudes, encouraging more individuals and businesses to embrace recycling.

With the right policies, investments, and public participation, the country could transition from a waste crisis to a waste-powered economy, where sustainability drives opportunity. If government agencies, private investors, and communities embrace the economic value of recycling, Nigeria can create a future where waste is no longer seen as a burden, but as a valuable resource for both the economy and the environment.