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Documented

AI Data Center Expansion Drives Global Surge in Toxic E-Waste

September 16, 2026
oecd:2026-09-16-f10bView source ↗

What happened

The global buildout of AI data centers is causing a massive increase in toxic e-waste, projected to triple annual output in 25 years. Reports by Basel Action Network highlight environmental and health harms, including pollution and improper waste management, as discarded electronics accumulate worldwide without adequate disposal plans.

Reported impact

Affected parties
Not publicly disclosed
Harm type
Not publicly disclosed
Scale
Not publicly disclosed
Financial impact
Not publicly disclosed
Regulatory action
Not publicly disclosed

Classification

Organization
Not publicly disclosed
AI system
Not publicly disclosed
Industry
Not publicly disclosed
Country
Not publicly disclosed
Provider
Not publicly disclosed
Incident type
Not publicly disclosed

Relevant governance controls

Governance control mapping is not available for this record.

  • No controls mappedNot publicly disclosed

Control mapping is analytical. It does not state that any control would have prevented the incident.

Sources and evidence

OECD AI Incidents Monitor
Primary source
AI Data Center Expansion Drives Global Surge in Toxic E-Waste
2026-09-16