Moreover, just as excessive hoarding in physical spaces can be symptomatic of deeper mental issues(3), the accumulation of digital trash may indicate inefficiencies in data management and a lack of awareness regarding the environmental impacts of excess digital repositories. Despite efforts to address physical waste through recycling and waste reduction initiatives, the issue of digital trash remains largely unaddressed. Even with the advent of space travel, the Office for Outer Space Affairs under the United Nations has, in place, guidelines for addressing and mitigating outer space debris(4).
Image Source: United Nations
Large corporations are significant contributors to digital trash accumulation. Many retain vast amounts of data, a substantial portion of which may be unnecessary or obsolete junk data. This digital hoarding not only occupies digital real estate but also incurs unnecessary costs for storage and maintenance. Excess data not only burdens servers and consumes electricity but also poses security risks and complicates data management for businesses and individuals alike. As our reliance on digital infrastructure grows, so too does the urgency of adopting efficient data management practices which can not only reduce costs but also lessen the environmental footprint associated with digital operations.
Image by Element5 Digital
Looking ahead, projections indicate exponential growth in digital data creation exacerbating the digital trash problem. By 2025, global data creation is expected to reach 463 exabytes per day(5). An exabyte is 1 billion gigabytes. This growth trajectory implies increased energy consumption furthering heightened emissions and could intensify the progression of global warming while straining energy supplies. Moreover, the extraction of natural resource materials for electronic components to sustain digital infrastructure can further contribute to ecological impacts.
- Mahan, J. (2023). Understanding Data Center Energy Consumption. C&C Technology Group.
- International Energy Agency. (2024). Electricity 2024 - Analysis and forecast to 2026. IEA Publications.
- Gluck, S. (2022). Hoarding Disorder: Compulsive Hoarding Is a Mental Illness. HealthyPlace.
- United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs. (2010). Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. United Nations.
- Eser, A. (2024). Global Big Data Industry Statistics: Explosive Growth and Transformative Impact. Worldmetrics.org.
