Bitcoin's growing e-waste problem
Abstract
Bitcoin's annual e-waste generation adds up to 30.7 metric kilotons as of May 2021. This level is comparable to the small IT equipment waste produced by a country such as the Netherlands. On average Bitcoin generates 272 g of e-waste per transaction processed on the blockchain. Bitcoin could produce up to 64.4 metric kilotons of e-waste at peak Bitcoin price levels seen in early 2021. The soaring demand for mining hardware may disrupt global semiconductor supply chains.
- Publication:
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Resources, Conservation and Recycling
- Pub Date:
- December 2021
- DOI:
- Bibcode:
- 2021RCR...17505901D
- Keywords:
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- Bitcoin;
- Electronic waste;
- Semiconductor supply chain;
- Sustainability;
- Proof of work