Huge data centres built for generative AI will produce millions of tonnes of electronic waste by 2030, the equivalent of discarding billions of smartphones, a study suggests.
“We need producer responsibility and product stewardship,” Professor Giurco, who was not involved in the study, said. “If you’re putting equipment onto the market, you need to be making sure [there’s] a pathway that supports reuse of materials and recycling.”
Lisa McLean, a member of the ministerial advisory group and chief executive officer of research and advocacy group Circular Australia, said tech companies could be made responsible for their e-waste. “We’re running out of the resources and we’re not going to get to net zero without a circular economy.”
Read the full ABC article here.
