Mount Everest, often referred to as the "world's highest dump," is implementing a new waste management strategy utilizing heavy-lift drone technology to improve environmental conditions and climber safety.
This initiative, a collaboration between Nepalese authorities, local companies, and drone manufacturers, aims to tackle the significant issue of waste accumulation on the planet's tallest peak. To mitigate the environmental impact of increasing tourism, which has resulted in tons of waste on its slopes, heavy-lift drones are now being deployed. Drones like the DJI FlyCart 30 are capable of carrying substantial loads, reportedly up to 30 kilograms per flight, and are tasked with transporting refuse from higher climbing camps, such as Camp 1 (6,065 meters), down to base camp.
The project, which began testing in April 2024 with ongoing efforts planned for 2025, seeks to reduce the burden on Sherpas and minimize the risks associated with manual waste removal. This technological advancement offers a more efficient and safer alternative to traditional methods. Previously, Sherpas undertook the arduous and perilous task of carrying waste, often traversing the dangerous Khumbu Icefall multiple times a season, a route that has seen numerous accidents.
Tshering Sherpa, chief of the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee, highlighted the dramatic increase in efficiency, stating that a drone can transport as much garbage in 10 minutes as 10 people can in six hours. This technological leap not only addresses the waste problem but also enhances the safety of those working on the mountain.
Beyond waste management, these drones are proving invaluable for logistical support, delivering essential climbing gear like oxygen cylinders and ropes directly to Sherpas. This reduces the number of dangerous trips Sherpas need to make across the Khumbu Icefall. The drones have also been employed in mapping safer routes through the Khumbu Icefall, further contributing to climber security.
During the spring 2025 climbing season, drones transported approximately 1,259 kg of supplies and waste over 25 days, demonstrating their growing role in expedition operations. The initiative is a collaborative effort involving companies like Airlift Technology and manufacturers like DJI. Successful trials, initiated in April 2024, have confirmed the drones' capability to operate effectively in Everest's extreme altitudes and challenging conditions. The mountaineering community has met this advancement with optimism, with veteran Sherpas recognizing the drones' ability to access dangerous areas inaccessible to humans. This technological advancement is viewed as a game-changer, potentially setting a precedent for environmental management and operational efficiency in other remote, high-altitude locations globally, aligning with a broader movement towards more sustainable mountaineering practices.