One of the world’s most polluted cities has banned single-use plastics. It’s not so easy

LAGOS, Nigeria (AP) — Nigeria’s economic capital of Lagos is one of the world’s most plastic-polluted cities. Lagos state authorities last month imposed a ban on single-use plastics, but residents say weak enforcement and the absence of alternatives weaken its effectiveness. Plastic pollution has been a major source of concern in the city of more than 20 million people that generates at least 13,000 tons of waste daily. Almost a fifth of that waste is plastics. In Geneva this week, countries are negotiating a treaty to end plastic pollution. By Ope Adetayo, Associated Press  Banner image: A scavenger sorts out plastic waste at a dumpsite on the outskirts of Lagos, Nigeria, Monday, Aug 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Sunday Alamba)This article was originally published on