From Xinjiang to New York, controversy around Bitcoin's environmental impact has come to the doorsteps of those who mine Bitcoin. It is a commonly cited point in crypto circles that Bitcoin consumes large volumes of electricity—oftentimes over the past year a higher total than some entire countries. Now, new research shines a light on a lesser known consequence of Bitcoin mining: e-waste generated by Bitcoin mining machines. The machines are large, expensive, use up a lot of electricity, and have a short shelf-life. When they get discarded, it creates e-waste. According to Alex de Vries, founder of Digiconomist, ... (full story)