Environmental Report Warns of Rising Electronic Waste in Iraq and Its Severe Health and Environmental Impact

A specialized environmental monitor has warned of the escalating crisis of electronic waste (e-waste) in Iraq, stating that the country generates approximately 150,000 tons of e-waste annually, posing a severe threat to soil, groundwater, and public health. The monitor highlighted that Baghdad leads with an annual output of 60,000 to 90,000 tons, followed by Basra with 25,000 to 40,000 tons. Due to the lack of a dedicated national management and recycling system, much of this waste is disposed of in municipal landfills or burned illegally, releasing highly toxic chemicals such as lead and mercury that threaten local communities and workers. The report urged the legislation of a national framework to safely manage, collect, and recycle e-waste to recover its substantial economic value.