The Mitigation of AI Data Center E-Waste on the Federal Level
Abstract
On a global scale, the United States is one of the largest producers of electronic waste (e-waste). This has negative implications for environmental quality and public health as e-waste contains toxins such as mercury and lead. There is an absence of federal legislation that manages e-waste, leaving recycling and disposal open-ended and up to the discretion of its owner, with the exception of some state regulations. Poor management of electronic waste therefore degrades various ecosystems and disrupts communities nearby disposal sites due to leakage. Given the rapid growth of artificial intelligence data centers, the amount of e-waste will only multiply in coming years. This brief summarizes electronic waste as a byproduct of data center expansion, identifies consequences of improper disposal, and highlights existing global and state legislation that aim to decrease e-waste.
Authorship
This brief was prepared by Faith Sunga ([email protected])
The views, opinions and recommendations expressed in this policy brief are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Graduate Program of Environmental Policy and Management at UC Davis.