Iraq produces 150,000 tons of e-waste annually, environmental group says

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq generates an estimated 150,000 tons of electronic waste each year, creating a serious environmental and public health problem that threatens soil and groundwater, the "Green Iraq" Environmental Observatory said in a written statement. The observatory cited the United Nations' Global E-waste Monitor 2024 report, which recorded 62 million tons of e-waste generated worldwide in 2022 and projected the total could rise to 82 million tons by 2030. Based on population density and international indicators, local estimates place Baghdad first among Iraqi provinces with 60,000 to 90,000 tons a year, followed by Basra with 25,000 to 40,000 tons. Much of the waste is dumped in municipal landfills, burned, or dismantled with rudimentary methods at scrap yards, releasing around 1,000 toxic substances including lead, mercury, cadmium and dioxins. The observatory noted that the World Health Organization has confirmed these pollutants contaminate air, soil and water, posing severe health risks, particularly to children and informal dismantling workers. The statement also pointed to the estimated $91 billion global value of recoverable raw materials in e-waste, saying the lack of adequate collection, sorting and recycling systems means Iraq is losing most of that value domestically. The observatory called on Iraqi authorities to enact a national law on e-waste management, establish dedicated collection centers, require importers to take back used devices and batteries, and launch broad public awareness campaigns.