In a bid to address a long-standing environmental issue, climbers preparing to ascend Mount Everest are now mandated to manage their own waste, marking a significant shift in mountain etiquette. Nepal, the host country for the world’s tallest peak, is enforcing measures to combat the accumulation of human waste, a problem that has plagued the iconic mountain for years.
Under the new regulations, climbers embarking on the Everest expedition will be provided with two biodegradable odorless bags designated for collecting human waste. Crucially, climbers are required to carry these bags back down with them upon descent, effectively addressing the issue of pollution that has marred the mountain’s pristine environment.
Diwas Pokhrel, the first vice president of the Everest Summiteers Association, highlighted the severity of the problem, stating, “The problem of human waste on Everest was very bad. It was polluting the mountain environment.”
According to a report by the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee, climbers left behind over 77,000 pounds of human waste on Mount Everest in 2022 alone. The accumulation of waste not only tarnished the natural beauty of the mountain but also posed health risks to local residents residing near its base.
In response to the environmental challenge, concerted efforts have been made to mitigate pollution on Everest. A mountain cleanup campaign in 2023, as reported by The Himalayan Times, successfully removed 78,722 pounds of waste and plastics from the mountain, underscoring the urgency of the issue.
The initiative was spearheaded by the Nepali Army in collaboration with Unilever Nepal, signaling a collective commitment to tackling waste management and pollution on the mountain.
However, the implementation of waste management measures comes at a critical juncture, with an estimated 1,200 climbers anticipated to undertake the Everest expedition, according to the Nepal Mountaineering Association. Traditionally, climbers converge on the mountain during the spring months of March to May and the autumn months of October to November.
For seasoned climbers gearing up for their summit attempts, the new regulations necessitate meticulous planning, as each individual produces approximately 250 grams (8.8 ounces) of waste per day during the expedition, with extended stays at higher camps during summit pushes.
Jinesh Sindurakar, a member of the Nepal Mountaineering Association, emphasized the significance of waste management practices, stating, “Each person produces 250 grams (8.8 ounces) of excrement a day and they will spend 2 weeks on the higher camps for the summit push.”
As Nepal takes proactive steps to address environmental concerns on Mount Everest, the implementation of waste management protocols underscores the collective responsibility of climbers in preserving the natural integrity of the world’s highest peak.