AI technology boom raises concerns over rising electronic waste, study finds

A new study warns that the rise of artificial intelligence could significantly increase global electronic waste. Tech companies are rapidly upgrading data centers to support AI, potentially generating waste equivalent to 13 billion discarded iPhones each year by 2030. The study estimates that AI production could raise electronic waste by 3% to 12%, adding 2.5 million metric tons annually. Most electronic waste is not recycled and often ends up in landfills or is sent to lower-income countries, where workers face hazardous conditions. While companies like Nvidia are working to reduce emissions, others, such as Google and Microsoft, have reported increases in their carbon footprints. The demand for advanced chips for AI programs is straining energy resources, prompting power providers to keep older plants operational.