{
  "id": 1374982,
  "title": "From dumpsites to climate action: The untold story of Lagos’ waste pickers",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/16/from-dumpsites-to-climate-action-the-untold-story-of-lagos-waste-1374982",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-16T23:48:50.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/from-dumpsites-to-climate-action-the-untold-story-of-lagos-waste-pickers/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Lagos, Nigeria, is home to thousands of informal waste pickers who have become unsung heroes in the fight against plastic pollution and climate change. These waste pickers, driven by poverty and unemployment, collect discarded plastics from dumpsites, markets and roadsides, often without proper protective gear or support from the government or private organizations. Their efforts, while unrecognized, contribute significantly to reducing plastic waste in the environment and mitigating its harmful effects on public health, flooding and climate change.\n\nDespite the harsh conditions and constant threats to their health, such as sharp objects and exposure to the sun, these waste pickers persist in their work. They understand that if plastics remain on the streets, they will cause blockages in drainage channels, leading to floods that disproportionately affect the poor. For many of these waste pickers, their daily labor is a means of survival, providing them with a meager income to support their families. However, their work often goes unnoticed, and they are frequently subjected to insults and rejection by traders and the general public. This lack of recognition and support hinders their ability to improve their working conditions and earn a sustainable livelihood.\n\nDespite the challenges, waste pickers like Abdulrafiu, Jerry and Ibrahim remain committed to their cause. They recognize that by collecting and recycling plastics, they are not only helping to keep their surroundings clean but also playing a crucial role in Nigeria's fight against plastic pollution and climate change. Their efforts, though small on an individual level, collectively make a significant impact on the environment and the well-being of the communities they serve.",
  "summary": "Discover the untold story of Lagos’s informal waste pickers, driven by poverty but playing a crucial role in fighting plastic pollution and climate change. Read More: https://punchng.com/from-dumpsites-to-climate-action-the-untold-story-of-lagos-waste-pickers/",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch",
        "title": "From dumpsites to climate action: The untold story of Lagos’ waste pickers",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/16/from-dumpsites-to-climate-action-the-untold-story-of-lagos-waste",
        "published": "2026-08-16T23:38:50.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}