Introduction
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.

What is Household Waste?
Domestic waste includes a range of materials thrown away from homes daily, including:
• Food scraps.
• Plastic and glass containers.
• Paper and tissue materials.
• Old batteries and light bulbs.
• Cleaning materials and chemical cleaners.
• Used medical instruments (masks, syringes, blades).

Unsafe Waste Disposal Methods
1. Open burning: This releases toxic substances such as dioxins.
2. Accumulation in alleys or near homes: This attracts insects and rodents.
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.

Most Affected Groups
• Young children playing near waste sites.
• Pregnant women.
• Sanitation workers in residential neighborhoods.
• Residents of slums and poor areas.

Proposed Solutions
1. Sort household waste into organic, recyclable, and hazardous waste.
2. Provide appropriate, covered, and well-distributed containers in neighborhoods.
3. Prevent random burning through strict regulations.
4. Raise community awareness about the harmful effects and proper practices.
5. Support recycling and composting projects (for organic waste).
6. Cooperate with local authorities to organize regular waste collection.

Conclusion
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.

Al _ Mustaqbal University, the first university in Iraq
Prepared by: Shahad Nawras Abbas