LAGOS, NIGERIA — Rite Foods Limited has announced the recovery of an estimated 40 tonnes of plastic waste, much of it post-consumer packaging, during July in Lagos as part of the global Plastic Free July campaign. The effort is part of the company’s “Riteonthebeach” initiative, developed in partnership with Pop Beach Club and supported by the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The programme combined public engagement on waste management with community outreach and education on recycling. More than 30,000 recovery bags were distributed at locations including Ikeja City Mall, with the aim of encouraging households and individuals to collect and return discarded plastic packaging materials.
In addition to the external efforts, Rite Foods employees contributed through an internal programme focused on post-consumer packaging waste. Staff in Lagos sorted and returned 288kg of plastic bottles, resulting in an estimated 293.76kg of CO₂-equivalent emissions saved for the month.
“This result reinforces our belief that collective and consistent actions yield lasting impact. Riteonthebeach is a lifestyle change that supports Lagos State’s vision for a sustainable, clean, and healthy environment,” said Rite Foods Managing Director, Seleem Adegunwa.
Pop Beach Club convener Akin Disu noted that the initiative has led to the removal of thousands of tonnes of plastic waste from Lagos shorelines and continues to raise awareness among youth about the importance of recycling packaging materials.
Proceeds from recycling are reinvested into local initiatives such as back-to-school drives, turning used packaging into community benefit. The initiative aligns with Nigeria’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework and global efforts to strengthen circular economy models.