<br />Introduction<br />Domestic waste is a daily part of human life, but its disposal methods can pose a significant health and environmental risk if not handled safely. The random accumulation of waste, its burning, or its dumping in public places not only harms the environment but is also a direct source of disease and health problems, especially in densely populated residential areas.<br /><br />What is Household Waste?<br />Domestic waste includes a range of materials thrown away from homes daily, including:<br />• Food scraps.<br />• Plastic and glass containers.<br />• Paper and tissue materials.<br />• Old batteries and light bulbs.<br />• Cleaning materials and chemical cleaners.<br />• Used medical instruments (masks, syringes, blades).<br /><br />Unsafe Waste Disposal Methods<br />1. Open burning: This releases toxic substances such as dioxins.<br />2. Accumulation in alleys or near homes: This attracts insects and rodents.<br />3. Dumping waste into rivers or sewers: This leads to water pollution and the spread of disease. 4. Combining organic waste with chemical and medical waste increases the risk of infection or poisoning.<br /><br />Most Affected Groups<br />• Young children playing near waste sites.<br />• Pregnant women.<br />• Sanitation workers in residential neighborhoods.<br />• Residents of slums and poor areas.<br /><br />Proposed Solutions<br />1. Sort household waste into organic, recyclable, and hazardous waste.<br />2. Provide appropriate, covered, and well-distributed containers in neighborhoods.<br />3. Prevent random burning through strict regulations.<br />4. Raise community awareness about the harmful effects and proper practices.<br />5. Support recycling and composting projects (for organic waste).<br />6. Cooperate with local authorities to organize regular waste collection.<br /><br />Conclusion<br />Unsafe handling of household waste is not just a hygiene issue; it is a health risk that must be addressed through community awareness and government planning. Every individual in society bears a responsibility to protect their own health and the health of those around them through sound environmental practices, starting at home.<br /><br />Al _ Mustaqbal University, the first university in Iraq<br />Prepared by: Shahad Nawras Abbas<br />