Innovative Waste Management Solutions for Urban Waste Pickers in Lagos City: A Mixed Methods Evaluation,

Urban waste pickers in Lagos City face significant challenges related to informal waste management practices. Innovative solutions are needed to address environmental sustainability and social equity issues. A mixed methods approach combining qualitative interviews with quantitative data collection through surveys was employed. The study involved both on-site observations and structured questionnaires distributed to waste pickers in various Lagos neighborhoods. The findings highlight a notable increase of 40% in waste segregation rates among the surveyed participants after the implementation of recycling programmes, indicating effective community engagement strategies. Innovative waste management solutions have demonstrated promising results, particularly through strengthened community participation and improved waste sorting practices. Future research should focus on scaling up these initiatives to broader urban areas. Policy makers are encouraged to integrate more comprehensive recycling programmes into existing waste management systems and support ongoing community engagement efforts with tailored interventions. Waste pickers, Lagos City, Innovative Solutions, Mixed Methods Study