In Nigeria's largest city, making your garbage the city's problem isn't just frowned upon — it's illegal. One Lagos man learned this the hard way, facing prosecution after dumping bags of trash on a roadway median, Punch Nigeria reported.

The man, Wale Akindeinde, was arrested by the Lagos Waste Management Authority for "illegally dumping refuse on a road median," according to Punch Nigeria. The incident was captured on video, leading to the charge.

Lagos has intensified efforts to curb environmental violations, including adopting a zero-tolerance policy against "indiscriminate waste disposal." That policy is an essential step forward for Lagos, a city with a major trash problem, per The Weather Channel. 

Reuters reported that the 21 million people of Lagos produce more than 10,000 metric tonnes — or 11,023 tons — of waste per day. Inadequate infrastructure, urban growth, overpopulation, and limited public awareness have led to widespread littering and illegal dumping in the city. 

But officials are working to change how Lagos handles its waste. Prosecuting offenders such as Akindeinde is one way to deter illegal dumping, but broader efforts are also underway. Lagos, for example, is home to the infamous Olusosun landfill, Punch reported, which the government is working to turn into a waste-to-energy plant, according to the Electricity Hub. At the same time, the city is pushing for more sustainable waste management practices to reduce its heavy reliance on landfills, per Nigerian Panorama.

Illegal dumping isn't just unsightly; it also poses serious environmental and public health risks. Improperly discarded trash can release pollutants that contaminate soil and waterways. When dumped on roadways, trash can clog drainage systems, increasing the risk of flooding — especially in densely populated cities. 

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Trash piles also attract pests such as rats and mosquitoes, which can spread diseases to humans. Beyond these dangers, illegal dumping can make communities look neglected, which can harm residents' well-being and reduce property values.

While you can control what you do with your waste, you can't always stop others from mismanaging their own. But there are ways you can take action to address illegal dumping in your community. 

Start by reporting incidents to your local sanitation department. While some communities report difficulty getting local authorities to respond to their concerns, holding local officials accountable is essential for keeping communities clean. Persistence matters.

At the community level, organizing a neighborhood cleanup can foster pride and encourage collective responsibility. For longer-term solutions, you can advocate for improved waste management infrastructure or partner with local nonprofits to support broader environmental initiatives.

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