From TechRadar · · 1m 40s
AI boom could create 617 million tonnes of e-waste by 2050
A new report warns that AI hardware and data centers will generate massive quantities of electronic waste, with most of it currently invisible in industry estimates.
In brief
A new report warns that AI hardware and data centers will generate massive quantities of electronic waste, with most of it currently invisible in industry estimates. The Basel Action Network warns AI and data center expansion could produce 395 to 617 million tonnes of e-waste by 2050, with 87 percent of hardware…
AI boom threatens e-waste crisis
The Basel Action Network warns that retired AI equipment alone could generate 395 to 617 million tonnes of e-waste between 2025 and 2050, creating an unprecedented disposal challenge.
The scale is staggering
That waste would fill 15 to 23 million forty-foot shipping containers, which placed end-to-end would circle the Earth six times over, according to the Basel Action Network.
Most e-waste is invisible
The Basel Action Network says 87 percent of data center hardware is not accounted for in most estimates. Earlier figures only included servers and accelerators, missing networking, power distribution, storage and cooling equipment.
“87% of data center hardware isn't actually accounted for in most figures”
Hardware needs replacing faster
AI accelerators, servers and racks are replaced every 2.5 years, compared to five to seven years for general-purpose servers. Each additional gigawatt of data center capacity requires around 70,000 tonnes of electronics.
Massive investment fuels the problem
Global data center capital expenditure is expected to hit seven trillion dollars between 2025 and 2030, with 4.3 trillion dollars attributed to electronic hardware, driving rapid equipment turnover and waste generation.
Solutions remain uncertain
The Basel Action Network suggests designing equipment to last longer and improving recycling and second use. However, the report does not address whether AI-specific hardware can be repurposed for lesser functions in regular server facilities.
What to remember
The Basel Action Network warns AI and data center expansion could produce 395 to 617 million tonnes of e-waste by 2050, with 87 percent of hardware currently unaccounted for in estimates.
