The Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA) has recovered over 2.2 tonnes of recyclable materials from Ajegunle in Lagos, as part of activities marking this year’s Global Recycling Day.

The exercise was carried out in collaboration with the collection partner, StreetWaste, at Achakpo Market, and attracted more than 500 participants, including over 250 households, highlighting growing community engagement in recycling efforts.

The event began with an awareness walk across Ajegunle, with officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority providing traffic control to ensure safety.

Participants were sensitised on the importance of recycling and the buyback model, which allows residents to exchange recyclable waste for instant rewards.

Speaking at the event, FBRA Executive Director, Agharese Onaghise, said the initiative reflects the organisation’s commitment to linking environmental responsibility with community development.

“FBRA exists at the intersection of industry responsibility and community wellbeing. What we demonstrated today in Ajegunle is that recycling is not a privilege reserved for affluent neighbourhoods, it is a right, a resource, and an opportunity for every Nigerian community,” said Onaghise.

Residents turned in a variety of post-consumer materials, including PET bottles, glass, aluminium cans, juice packs and cartons. The collected items were exchanged for products provided by FBRA member companies, reinforcing the principles of a circular economy.

The event also drew support from key government institutions, including representatives of the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and local government environmental officials. The Lagos Waste Management Authority provided operational backing.
 
A representative of the Lagos State Government’s climate office was also in attendance, underscoring growing collaboration between public agencies and private stakeholders in advancing sustainable waste management.

Speaking on behalf of FBRA member companies, John Isiekwene explained that the alliance is actively investing in Nigeria’s circular economy and working closely with communities to drive environmental change.

“The FBRA and its member companies are not standing on the sidelines of the circular economy conversation in Nigeria. We are investing in it, building it, and showing up for the communities that make it possible. Today is proof that industry can be a genuine partner in environmental transformation, and we are only just beginning,” Isiekwene said.

The Ajegunle exercise is part of FBRA’s expanding activities across Lagos, following the inauguration of two recyclables collection centres developed in partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization.

The alliance said it would continue to promote recycling through community programmes, policy engagement and industry collaboration, aimed at transforming waste management practices nationwide.