A scheme to encourage climbers to bring their waste down from Mount Everest is being scrapped - with Nepalese authorities telling the BBC it has been a failure. Climbers had been required to pay a deposit of $4,000 (£2964), which they would only get back if they brought at least 8kg (18lbs) of waste back down with them. It was hoped it would begin to tackle the rubbish problem on the world's highest peak, which is estimated to be covered in some 50 tonnes of waste.
But after 11 years - and with the rubbish still piling up - the scheme is being shelved because it 'failed to show a tangible result'. Himalayan tourism director, Himal Gautam, remarked that not only had the garbage issue 'not gone away', but the deposit scheme itself had 'become an administrative burden'.
The scheme was designed to address the increasing waste problem on Everest, but it primarily led to refunds for garbage brought back from lower camps, meaning that the more serious issue at higher altitudes remained unresolved.
More than 400 climbers attempt to ascend Everest each year, and while they may bring back oxygen bottles from higher camps, items like tents and food packaging are frequently left behind. The new plan includes a non-refundable clean-up fee aimed at establishing a checkpoint and deploying mountain rangers for better oversight. This action is part of a larger five-year clean-up initiative intended to support the sustainability of Everest and address current waste issues aggressively.
But after 11 years - and with the rubbish still piling up - the scheme is being shelved because it 'failed to show a tangible result'. Himalayan tourism director, Himal Gautam, remarked that not only had the garbage issue 'not gone away', but the deposit scheme itself had 'become an administrative burden'.
The scheme was designed to address the increasing waste problem on Everest, but it primarily led to refunds for garbage brought back from lower camps, meaning that the more serious issue at higher altitudes remained unresolved.
More than 400 climbers attempt to ascend Everest each year, and while they may bring back oxygen bottles from higher camps, items like tents and food packaging are frequently left behind. The new plan includes a non-refundable clean-up fee aimed at establishing a checkpoint and deploying mountain rangers for better oversight. This action is part of a larger five-year clean-up initiative intended to support the sustainability of Everest and address current waste issues aggressively.
