The Lagos State Government has clarified that the upcoming ban on single-use plastics and polystyrene, expected to come into effect in January 2025, will not include sachet water and PET bottles.

The update was provided by Mr. Bankole Michael Omoniyi, Director of Climate Change and Environmental Planning at the Lagos State Ministry of Environment, during an interview with green podcast Tiwa Talks on “Understanding banning single-use plastics and polystyrene foam (government). Perspective),’ published Monday.

Omoniyi explained that the ban, which is part of government’s efforts to reduce environmental pollution, will focus on items such as nylon bags less than 40 microns, plastic spoons, plastic cups and the straws.

He said: “We banned nylon bags, plastic cutlery, straws, and then we also banned polystyrene cups and plates. At no time did we say that PET bottles and nylon bags were prohibited.

These materials, particularly polystyrene foam, have been identified as significantly contributing to environmental hazards in Lagos.

Speaking on the environmental effects of single-use plastics and polystyrene foam, Omoniyi cited pollution in Surulere as an example of the negative impact of polystyrene foam on the city.

READ ALSO: Lagos to ban single-use plastics and sachet water in January

“The use of polystyrene foam has led to blocked drainage channels, exacerbated flooding and contributed to climate change and diseases like cholera,” Omoniyi said.

He also highlighted the state’s efforts to promote a greener Lagos by engaging with manufacturers to discuss expanded producer responsibilities and encourage alternatives to single-use plastics.

“We have two proposals, and the position is that every player and manufacturer in the plastic value chain must accept extended producer responsibility,” he said.

“We can accept the creation of collection centers in which each actor can collect their waste, group it together, then there will be a buyer, and then we can move on to recycling. The other is that we can have a plastics management fund, which will be a fund that everyone involved in the value chain can contribute to.

This clarification comes after the Lagos State Government initially announced plans to ban single-use plastics and polystyrene in January 2024. The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said also confirmed that the ban on polystyrene and single-use plastics would begin. in January 2025.

The commissioner said the ban was part of the state government’s measures to implement plastic utility policy guidelines, thereby ensuring sustainable management of plastic waste and a healthy and safe environment .