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The informal sector plays numerous roles in waste management in Nigeria and other developing countries. This research examined how informal sector players contribute to waste management, waste recycling and waste to wealth activities in Lagos State, Nigeria. Field observations, interviews and well-structured questionnaires were employed to collect data from participants of the informal sector in municipal waste managements in sixteen Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Lagos State, Nigeria. Landfills/dump sites within the studied Local Government Ares were visited in the course of this research. Date collected were analyzed and discussed. Scavengers at the dump sites and the residents around the dump sites were interviewed. The results/findings showed that waste collectors and scavengers earn income from waste management and they do not take safety measures into consideration in their waste collection, waste management and scavenging activities. The study recommends that the informal sector participants be recognized as stakeholders in the waste management since they contribute significantly to resource recovery and waste reduction. Government at all levels, professional bodies and relevant stake holders should organizes regular enlightenment campaigns for the informal sector payers on the need to adhere to safety measures in the course of their activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]