AI buildout projected to triple annual toxic e-waste over 25 years

The Basel Action Network projects the AI datacenter buildout will triple annual toxic electronic waste generation over 25 years, creating a "tsunami" of discarded electronics. Its Sept. 15 report estimates 395 to 617 million tonnes retired by 2050, with lead, mercury and cadmium and no disposal plan. Only one-fifth of e-waste is properly managed.