AI data centre e-waste could reach 5 million tonnes by 2030

Generative AI could generate between 1.2 and 5 million tonnes of accumulated e-waste from 2020 to 2030, according to a Conversation analysis. Only 22.3% of the 62 million tonnes of global e-waste in 2022 was responsibly recycled. Canada's new Responsible Data Centre Development Principles omit hardware life-cycles and end-of-life equipment.

• Generative AI to create 1.2–5 million tonnes of e-waste in 2020–2030
• Global e-waste hit 62 million tonnes in 2022, only 22.3% recycled
• Data centre electricity use to rise from 415 to 945 TWh by 2030
• Circular practices cut waste 16–86% but face rebound effects