hvg.hu · Tech ·
AI Data Centers Could Generate 23 Million Container Worth of E-Waste by 2050
According to a report from the Basel Action Network, AI data centers could produce up to 23 million shipping containers of e‑waste by 2050. This figure exceeds earlier estimates and represents a severe environmental burden due to the growing infrastructure required for AI development.
AI‑serving data centers consume large amounts of electricity, water, and gas, and they require an enormous number of servers. The Basel Action Network’s (BAN) latest report indicates that by 2050 these centers could generate up to 23 million shipping containers worth of e‑waste.
BAN researchers considered the entire infrastructure of data centers—including power supplies, cooling systems, backup systems, and networking equipment—in their calculations. This comprehensive approach makes the estimate more accurate than previous forecasts.
Current global e‑waste production is 68.3 million tonnes per year, with only a quarter being recycled. BAN estimates that by 2050 this figure could rise to 211 million tonnes, and waste from AI data centers could account for 15–20% of that total.
Opposition to the AI infrastructure is growing: cities are shutting down data centers, New York has imposed a moratorium, and Texas’s deployment plans have sparked outrage. Governments and companies warn that without preparation for waste management, expanding AI could bring even more serious problems.