The Cleanup Efforts on Mount Everest

The highest camp on the world’s tallest mountain is filled with garbage that poses a significant challenge for cleanup efforts. During this year’s climbing season, a team of soldiers and Sherpas funded by the Nepal government managed to remove 11 tons of trash, four dead bodies, and a skeleton from Everest. Ang Babu Sherpa, who led the team, highlighted the presence of 40-50 tons of garbage still at South Col, the camp before the summit.

Most of the discarded items at the camp included old tents, food packaging, gas cartridges, oxygen bottles, tent packs, and climbing equipment. The frozen garbage layers at the 8,000-meter altitude make the cleanup operation even more difficult for the team.

Despite recent regulations requiring climbers to bring back their garbage or forfeit their deposits, there is still a significant amount of debris left behind from previous expeditions. The team had to endure dangerous weather conditions, low oxygen levels, and freezing temperatures while conducting the cleanup.

Challenges Faced During the Cleanup

• Extreme weather conditions at high altitudes
• Limited oxygen levels making the task physically demanding
• Frozen garbage embedded in ice

Of the 11 tons of garbage removed, three tons of biodegradable waste were taken to nearby villages, while the remaining eight tons were transported to Kathmandu for recycling. The recycling facility in Kathmandu managed by Agni Ventures processed the waste for recycling, including items dating back to 1957, such as rechargeable batteries for torch lights.

Explaining why climbers leave trash behind, Sushil Khadga from the recycling agency mentioned the extreme conditions at high altitudes, where survival takes precedence over environmental concerns. Despite the challenges, the cleanup team’s efforts have made a significant impact in preserving the natural beauty of Mount Everest.