Authorities Arrest 15 for Allegedly Recycling Dirty Disposable Plates, Plastics for Food Vendor

Authorities Arrest 15 for Allegedly Recycling Dirty Disposable Plates, Plastics for Food Vendor

June 9, 2026

The Lagos State Government has arrested more than 15 suspected environmental offenders for allegedly collecting used disposable plates and plastic containers from refuse dumps and reselling them to unsuspecting food vendors, raising serious public health concerns among residents.

The suspects were apprehended during an enforcement operation carried out by operatives of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), popularly known as KAI, around the busy Jibowu railway corridor in Lagos.

The development was disclosed on Tuesday by the Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, through a statement shared on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account.

According to the commissioner, the suspects were allegedly engaged in the collection of discarded disposable food containers, plastic plates, and other used packaging materials from refuse bins before reselling them for reuse in the food business.

“Earlier today, operatives of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (KAI) apprehended over 15 suspected environmental offenders around the Jibowu railway corridor for allegedly collecting and reselling used disposable plastics and plates recovered from refuse bins to food vendors,” the statement read.

The shocking discovery has sparked renewed concerns about food safety and public health in Lagos, with authorities warning that the practice could expose consumers to dangerous infections and diseases.

Environmental health experts have repeatedly cautioned against the reuse of disposable food containers recovered from waste dumps, noting that such items may be contaminated with harmful bacteria, viruses, toxic substances, and other disease-causing organisms. The alleged practice of washing and reselling these discarded materials for food packaging poses significant risks to unsuspecting members of the public.

Officials said the operation forms part of the state government's ongoing crackdown on environmental violations, sanitation offences, and activities capable of endangering the health and wellbeing of residents.

The Lagos State Government reiterated its commitment to maintaining a cleaner and safer environment while urging residents, food vendors, and business owners to remain vigilant and avoid purchasing suspiciously cheap disposable food containers from unverified sources.

Authorities also warned that individuals found engaging in activities that threaten environmental safety and public health would face the full weight of the law.

The latest arrests come amid intensified enforcement efforts across the state. Just last week, the government arrested 144 individuals during a separate operation targeting street begging and related environmental offences in different parts of Lagos.

With the discovery of the alleged disposable-plastic recycling network, attention is now shifting to food markets, roadside eateries, and vendors who may unknowingly be purchasing and using contaminated food packaging materials.

Residents have called for stricter monitoring of waste recycling activities and tougher penalties for offenders, arguing that the health of millions of Lagosians could be at risk if such practices are allowed to continue unchecked.

As investigations continue, the Lagos State Government has assured the public that it remains committed to protecting public health, improving sanitation standards, and eliminating environmental practices that pose a danger to residents across the state.