Basel Convention

The Basel Convention is an international treaty established in 1989 that regulates the transboundary movement and disposal of hazardous wastes. While primarily focused on environmental protection rather than AI specifically, it has become relevant to AI governance as organizations must track and properly dispose of electronic waste from AI infrastructure, including data centers and computing hardware that may contain hazardous materials. For enterprises deploying large-scale AI systems, compliance with Basel Convention requirements affects supply chain management, e-waste disposal protocols, and environmental sustainability commitments that increasingly intersect with corporate governance frameworks.

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ResearchGlobal2026-09-16

AI E-Waste Could Hit 617 Million Metric Tons by 2050, Basel Action Network Warns

The Basel Action Network has published research estimating that AI-related e-waste could reach between 395 and 617 million metric tons by 2050. The projection accounts for the full data center hardware stack, not just servers and GPUs. Less than a quarter of current global e-waste enters formal recycling, leaving the rest in informal and often toxic disposal chains.

e-waste environmental risk ESG compliance data center sustainability Basel Convention supply chain Scope 3 emissions