The amount of e-waste caused by AI is underestimated: we can’t only include the servers

The article argues that CIOs and technology leaders are underestimating the environmental and operational cost of AI because most e-waste models count only servers and GPUs, while the bulk of retired hardware comes from networking, power, storage, and cooling infrastructure. Even if some of the report’s long-term projections are debated, the strategic takeaway is clear: AI growth is shortening refresh cycles, increasing capital replacement pressure, and making lifecycle management, sustainability, and responsible disposal core IT priorities.