The Mayor of Erbil, Karzan Hadi, has unveiled plans to build a state-of-the-art recycling facility aimed at improving waste management and conducting in-depth analyses of municipal waste, including the proportions of plastic and organic materials and their environmental impact. Environmental experts have praised the initiative as a significant step forward.
Currently, Erbil operates a landfill waste containment site at Kani Qirzhala, but Hadi shared that the city is negotiating the establishment of a sophisticated recycling facility. “We are in the operational planning phase,” Hadi said.
Between May 1 and May 7, 2025, six tonnes of waste were analyzed to determine the composition of plastic and organic waste for research purposes.
Hadi emphasized the environmental challenges of improper waste management, including spontaneous combustion, pollution, and foul odors, which plagued the city in recent years. “We have successfully mitigated these issues,” he added.
Waste analysis and disposal activities were carried out across six locations in Erbil, spanning six days, and the project will continue to assess and improve the city’s waste management strategies.
