A non-governmental organisation, Trashusers Services has reaffirmed its mission to promote sustainable waste management practices and financial inclusion in communities by focusing on empowering residents and fostering responsible environmental stewardship.

The group made this known during an event to commemorate this year’s Global Recycling Day in Lagos. The highlight of the event included the launching of five recycling banks in partnership with Access Bank PLC in Orile-Agege LCDA to boost grassroots recycling activities, community clean-up and sensitisation exercise. It attracted representatives from the Ministry of Environment, Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Access Bank, and community leaders.

Global Recycling Day was established in 2018 by the Global Recycling Foundation to highlight the need to see recyclables as the seventh resource, alongside natural resources like water, air, coal, oil, natural gas and minerals. The initiative has gained support from environmental organisations, governments, businesses and individuals worldwide.

The founder of Trashusers Services, Mr Seun Bode, explained that Global Recycling Day serves as a reminder that the planet’s resources are finite, and it is everyone’s responsibility to protect them. “By making conscious efforts to recycle, we can contribute to a cleaner, greener world for future generations,” he said.

According to him, the event emphasises how recycling can combat climate change and promote a circular economy, where waste is minimised and resources are reused efficiently.

Bode promised to build a community of zero waste and expressed commitment to address the problem of waste management through clean-up outreaches, recycling and establishing waste2Art clubs in schools.

Deputy Director, Waste Management and Sanitation Services Department, Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Yewande Obasa, praised the community for embracing the programme, adding that recycling waste brings benefits to individuals and supports local businesses involved in waste management or recycling.

The Regional Sales Manager, Mainland 1, Access Bank, Omowunmi Falade, said the bank has a strong commitment to environmental sustainability, including waste recycling, and has implemented initiatives like a waste recycling project and supports local recycling companies, including those in Agege.

She stated that recycling plays a crucial role in sustaining the planet and maintaining environmental cleanliness and urged residents to leverage on the initiative for economic and health benefits.