Lagos govt advocates sustainable recycling of cooking oil

Says improper disposal damages waterways, harms aquatic life, others
Lagos State Government has said that proper disposal of used cooking oil is key to protect the environment and create access to good public health.

General Manager of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), Dr Babatunde Ajayi, who gave the advice during a one-day sensitisation and awareness workshop themed: “Sensitisation on Sustainable Management of Used Cooking Oil,” organised by LASEPA and Ororo Waste Management, emphasised the critical need for proper waste management to protect the environment and public health.

“Lagos, being a megacity of over 20 million residents, generates vast amount of used cooking oil. Improper disposal damages waterways, harms aquatic life, and increases greenhouse gas
emissions. This initiative aims to address these issues while creating economic opportunities,” he stated.

He said that the hazards of improper cooking oil disposal include clogged drainages, contamination of waterways, and increased methane emissions. He also underscored the link between reused cooking oil and health risks, such as cancer and ulcers.

Ajayi also said that the agency is currently focusing on large-scale commercial users, such as restaurants, hotels, and caterers.

He, however, said that plans were underway to include households, disclosing that LASEPA has set up 20 zonal offices to facilitate collection and recycling.

“Households will be able to register, label their oil containers, and receive monetary compensation or shopping vouchers for their contributions,” he said.

Meanwhile, at the event, key stakeholders from the food and waste management industries highlighted the environmental, health, and economic implications of improper disposal and reuse of cooking oil.

Participants were educated about innovative ways to recycle used cooking oil, thereby turning waste into wealth.

The PR Consultant for Ororo Waste Management, Oluwakemi Aareola, explained the financial and environmental benefits of recycling used cooking oil.

She said: “By recycling cooking oil, households and businesses can earn additional income while reducing waste and supporting a sustainable environment. Recycled oil is used to manufacture products like soap, cosmetics, and biodiesel.”

Also, a representative from Ororo Waste Management, Ayo Banjo, said: “We are working with LASEPA to provide seamless collection services for households, restaurants, and food manufacturers.

“Our goal is to ensure that used cooking oil enters the recycling chain, reducing environmental harm while creating economic value.

“Every liter of used cooking oil collected reduces three kilogrammes of carbon-dioxide from the atmosphere.”