Environment ministry, election commission to recycle campaign materials into public awareness signs

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Ministry of Environment said Monday it has reached an agreement with the Independent High Electoral Commission to recycle election campaign materials into environmental awareness signs across Baghdad and other governorates.

“This initiative supports the circular economy and reduces solid waste in urban spaces,” the ministry said in a statement. The project will begin immediately after the election campaign ends.

A total of 7,768 candidates are contesting this year’s parliamentary elections. Campaigning began on Oct. 3 and will end on Nov. 8, followed by a one-day electoral silence before the Nov. 11 vote.

The agreement was finalized during a visit by environment ministry officials to the commission’s headquarters. Election posters, which typically cover walls, sidewalks, bridges, and buildings nationwide during campaigns, will be collected and repurposed instead of discarded.

“This initiative represents a leading example of recycling and reusing materials rather than turning them into waste,” the ministry said, calling on political parties and candidates to participate.

According to the ministry, parties that join the initiative will be publicly named to encourage broader participation and raise awareness about environmental sustainability.