The Kurdistan Foundation launched a community recycling project on 9 September 2025 at Sami Abdulrahman Park in Erbil, marking a major step in advancing environmental awareness and sustainable practices in the Kurdistan Region. The initiative was introduced under the leadership of His Excellency Areen Barzani, the founder of the Kurdistan Foundation. The project was implemented through Climate.KRD.
The launch event marked the official rollout of 500 recycling bins across urban areas in Erbil and Duhok, with plans to expand to additional cities and towns in the future. The initiative was designed not only to improve waste management infrastructure, but also to promote a broader cultural shift toward environmental responsibility and sustainable behavior.
During the event, participants took part in several activities aimed at encouraging community engagement. Attendees used the newly installed recycling bins for the first time, symbolizing the start of the initiative. A seed-planting activity was also held, during which participants planted seeds in flowerpots and signed a commitment wall, pledging to contribute to keeping Kurdistan green. These activities reflected a collective approach to environmental protection and emphasized shared responsibility across the community.
The recycling project responded to growing environmental challenges in the Kurdistan Region. Data presented during the launch indicated that the region produces approximately 7,000 tons of waste daily, with plastic accounting for an estimated 25 percent. During peak seasons, daily plastic bottle consumption was reported to reach up to 1.5 million bottles. Based on projected usage, the newly installed bins were expected to collect around 750,000 plastic bottles per month, equivalent to approximately nine million bottles annually, resulting in an estimated reduction of more than 216 tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year.
Officials from the Ministry of Municipality and Tourism, the Erbil Governorate, civil society organizations, and private-sector partners attended the event, underscoring the importance of cross-sector cooperation in addressing environmental challenges. The initiative highlighted the role of public participation, particularly among youth, in driving long-term behavioral changes.
The recycling project represented the first phase of a wider climate action program led by Climate.KRD, which aimed to empower youth, encourage community ownership, and support sustainable development across the Kurdistan Region.
