Lagos State is joining a growing group of cities in banning Expandable Polystyrene Foam (EPS), aka, styrofoam. New York City instituted the ban on single-use styrofoam containers for the second time in 2018, after the initial battle it fought over the issue in 2015.
The Lagos State Government announced a ban on single-use plastics and styrofoam packs, popularly called ‘takeaways’, with immediate effect.
The state’s Commissioner, Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.
Styrofoam is a popular brand name of polystyrene, which is a petroleum-based plastic composed of styrene monomers. It’s so commonly used because it’s cheap, lightweight, good for insulation, and readily available.
According to the statement, which was posted on X by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kunle Adeshina, the use of these plastics has caused a menace in the environment.
It read, “Most drainage channels in the state are daily clogged up by Styrofoam and other plastics through its indiscriminate distribution and usage despite the regular cleaning and evacuation of the drains with humongous amounts.
“The Commissioner added that the State Government cannot fold its hands and watch the continued desecration of its environment especially for a coastal city.”
The statement added that the Commissioner has directed the Lagos Waste Management Authority and the Kick Against Indiscipline to immediately commence the implementation of the ban.
It read, “He asked the two agencies to clamp down on all the production companies and distribution outlets for Styrofoam in the state to prevent further distribution.
“The Commissioner advised producers, distributors, and end-users of these styrofoam packs to take the ban seriously and find alternatives or risk heavy fines, and other penalties including sealing of their premises.”
Wahab advised consumers and residents to boycott styrofoam packs and single-use plastics and imbibe the practice of using reusable food containers and water bottles for their food and drinks.
