Cloud provider: Server graveyard

Context

Your cloud company is expanding fast, but behind the scenes, your decommissioned servers and hardware are fueling a global e-waste crisis. Only a small portion of e-waste is properly recycled, and rare earth elements are being dumped.

Dilemma

Do you:
A) Invest in certified recycling partners and push for global e-waste standards.
B) Export old hardware to countries with loose rules. Keep upgrade cycles fast and costs low. Emphasize your renewable energy use and avoid the e-waste debate.

Summary

Electronic waste generation is outpacing documented recycling by fivefold. Driven by higher consumption, shorter product lifecycles, and limited repair options, the world produced a record amount of e-waste. Current low recycling rates fail to keep up, leading to significant environmental pollution from hazardous substances and the loss of valuable recoverable materials like precious metals. There is an urgent need for improved global collection systems, better recycling infrastructure, and robust policies to address this unsustainable trend and manage the growing mountain of discarded electronics effectively.

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Last modified:

29 April 2025 2.06 p.m.