Spatial analysis of solid waste in the city of Baghdad and its environmental impacts. An analytical study of sanitary landfill sites

Abstract

Urban renaissance must rest on systematic plans that prevent future environmental problems. This study uses Baghdad as a case study to examine how rapid urban expansion has repeatedly produced crises, focusing on solid waste management. It links rising municipal solid waste volumes to demographic pressures—Baghdad's population reached 6,810,449 in 2023—and to inadequate disposal practices. Conventional treatments rely largely on open dumping and burning at two noncompliant landfill sites, producing measurable harm to the urban environment. The research quantifies annual waste generation, estimating about 1,344,515 tonnes per year at the Nahrawan site and about 2,415,584 tonnes per year at the Nabai site, while districts such as Sadr, New Baghdad, and Al-Shaab rank highest in produced waste. After analyzing these drivers and impacts, the study proposes recommendations and strategic interventions aimed at transitioning Baghdad toward environmentally sound, sustainable waste management and improved planning to reduce health and ecological risks.