The potential for adopting solid waste recycling technology and its impact on achieving environmental sustainability

Abstract

This research aims to assess the feasibility of adopting solid waste recycling technology within the Baghdad Municipality and analyze its potential impact on achieving the city's environmental sustainability. The capital is experiencing a continuous increase in solid waste volume due to its growing population, placing significant pressure on the city's landfills and causing health and environmental damage. The research is based on an analysis of the current state of solid waste management within the Baghdad Municipality, which is responsible for managing the Iraqi capital in terms of services, organization, and urban development. This includes general tasks such as solid waste management, organizing its collection, transportation, and treatment, as well as improving the environment and reducing pollution within the capital. The research also aims to evaluate the technical and economic feasibility of implementing modern recycling technologies, including waste sorting at the source, mechanical and biological treatment, and waste-to-energy conversion, within the urban environment. Furthermore, the research explores the main obstacles that may hinder the implementation of these technologies, such as logistical challenges, a lack of specialized infrastructure, the need for supportive legislation, and weak public awareness. The most prominent conclusions showed that adopting organized recycling programs is an urgent environmental and economic necessity. Applying this technology would directly contribute to reducing the burden on landfills and final disposal sites and reducing the volume of waste to be disposed of, thus extending its lifespan. Most importantly, recycling promotes environmental sustainability by conserving natural resources and reducing their consumption, reducing greenhouse gas emissions resulting from anaerobic decomposition in landfill sites (especially methane gas), and providing a source of secondary raw materials for local industries.The researchers reached a number of recommendations, the most prominent of which was the need to develop a clear national strategy for solid waste management in Baghdad based on the principle of integrated management. This strategy should be implemented through investment in modern sorting and treatment equipment, in addition to building partnerships between the public and private sectors, launching broad community awareness campaigns, and working to amend the legal framework to support investment in the recycling sector. This transformation will make Baghdad a model for the circular economy and ensure a more sustainable environmental future.