Hazardous Waste Production Alarming

Iran produces over 8 million tons of hazardous waste annually which is alarming given the poor state of waste treatment plants in the country, according to Iran’s top environment official. During a meeting on the state of Iran’s waste management infrastructure, Massoumeh Ebtekar, head of the Department of Environment, emphasized that hazardous and industrial waste management “should be organized and certain duties should be delegated to relevant authorities and administrations,” IRNA reported. As a signatory to the Basel Convention, Iran is obliged to reduce the impact of hazardous wastes on human health. Hazardous waste, which includes flammable, toxic, corrosive and radioactive materials, poses substantial threats to public health and the environment. Reportedly, due to lack of special waste treatment equipment, Iran exports hundreds of tons of dangerous waste materials abroad for disposal.