AI boom could leave an e-waste trail that wraps 6 times around Earth
A Basel Action Network report warns that the rapid expansion of AI data centres could create an enormous e-waste problem by 2050. It argues that estimates focused mainly on GPUs and servers overlook the much heavier power, cooling, networking and backup systems that may also be discarded as facilities are upgraded.
The report estimates AI infrastructure could generate 395–617 million tonnes of e-waste between 2025 and 2050, equivalent to 15–23 million shipping containers. A reference 100 MW facility could contain about 7,000 tonnes of equipment, including 2,700 tonnes of copper, while AI accelerators may be replaced every two to three years; the report says no adequate global plan currently exists to manage the projected waste safely.
- AI expansion could create hundreds of millions of tonnes of e-waste.
- Infrastructure beyond GPUs makes previous estimates far too low.
- Recycling and disposal systems are not prepared for the projected volumes.