NORTH DAKOTA (KXNET) — A lot of states are concerned about electronic waste (e-waste) management and disposal, including North Dakota. A research team at OurPCB used Google Keyword Planner to analyze keywords related to e-waste to find out what states are the most concerned about e-waste disposal per 10,000 residents. According to the United Nations Institute for Training and Research, 62 million tonnes of e-waste was produced in 2022, which was an 82% increase from 2010. By 2030, it's estimated to increase by another 32% to 82 million tonnes. Research shows that North Dakota is the fourth most concerned state when it comes to proper e-waste disposal with 27.25 searches per 10,000 residents. The states that are more concerned than the Peace Garden state are Wyoming, Vermont, and Alaska. Only one neighboring state is concerned too: South Dakota. Mold problems persist in North Dakota cities The United States is ranked as the 18th worst e-waste offender in the world. We rank 10th in e-waste generated, 12th in recycling, and 19th in unmanaged e-waste. "Our study reveals variations in e-waste concern across U.S. states, highlighting the need for increased awareness nationwide," commented Sales and Marketing Director of OurPCB, Hommer Zhao. "Proper e-waste management is crucial for environmental protection and resource conservation. The importance of responsible e-waste disposal cannot be overstated. Every discarded device continues to a growing environmental challenge, one that extends beyond mere clutter in our homes. It's about preserving our planet's limited resources and reducing toxic waste in our landfills." "Moreover, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) presents a new challenge in the e-waste landscape," Zhao continued. "Recent studies indicate that the equipment used to train and run generative AI models could produce up to five million tons of e-waste by 2030. This underscores the urgent need for proactive measures in managing our electronic waste. Whether you're in a tech hub or a rural area, being mindful of e-waste disposal is about being part of the solution for a sustainable future. Every responsibly recycled device is a step towards a cleaner, more resource-efficient world." Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Today's Top Stories SIGN UP NOW