The AI boom could greatly increase global electronic waste

Published October 29, 2024 12:36pm ET



The race to create artificial intelligence technology could lead to dramatic increases in electronic waste, according to a study published by the Nature Computational Science.

Employees dismantle laptop waste at WEEE center recycling plant, a collection point where people can deposit old electric equipment in Nairobi, Kenya Wednesday, March 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)

Silicon Valley tech companies are heavily funding data centers, updating them to power generative AI products and hold powerful computer chips. The AI boom sparks concerns that the chips and other equipment used today will soon be outdated, leading to massive electronic waste equivalent to throwing out 13 billion iPhones annually by 2030.

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