Bitcoin produces 30,700 tonnes of e-waste annually

The level of e-waste generated by bitcoin mining is comparable to the small IT equipment waste produced by a country like the Netherlands, according to new research.

As of May 2021, bitcoin’s annual e-waste production adds up to 30,700 tonnes.
On average, bitcoin creates 272g of e-waste per transaction processed on the blockchain.

The study, produced by Dutch central bank and MIT economists, found that bitcoin can generate up to 64,400 tonnes of e-waste at peak bitcoin price levels seen in early 2021.

The report also warned that increasing demand for mining hardware may disrupt global semiconductor supply chains.

“E-waste represents a growing threat to our environment, from toxic chemicals and heavy metals leaching into soils, to air and water pollutions caused by improper recycling,” wrote researchers Christian Stoll (MIT) and Alex de Vries (De Nederlandsche Bank.)

    Share Story:

Recent Stories


The future-ready CFO: Driving strategic growth and innovation
This National Technology News webinar sponsored by Sage will explore how CFOs can leverage their unique blend of financial acumen, technological savvy, and strategic mindset to foster cross-functional collaboration and shape overall company direction. Attendees will gain insights into breaking down operational silos, aligning goals across departments like IT, operations, HR, and marketing, and utilising technology to enable real-time data sharing and visibility.

The corporate roadmap to payment excellence: Keeping pace with emerging trends to maximise growth opportunities
In today's rapidly evolving finance and accounting landscape, one of the biggest challenges organisations face is attracting and retaining top talent. As automation and AI revolutionise the profession, finance teams require new skillsets centred on analysis, collaboration, and strategic thinking to drive sustainable competitive advantage.