Kathmandu: In a bid to address the mounting waste problem on Mount Everest, Nepal has turned to cutting-edge technology. As climbing traffic continues to rise, garbage accumulation has become a serious environmental challenge on the world’s highest peak. To combat this, BYD’s official dealer Cymax Inc. and Nepali drone company Airlift Technology have launched a joint garbage collection campaign.

The initiative is part of Cymax Inc.’s global mission, “Cool the Earth by One Degree,” which aims to collect 1,000 kg of waste from the Everest region.

Drones Slash Time and Risk

The drones used by Airlift Technology can operate at 15 meters per second and withstand temperatures as low as -15°C, enabling rapid and safe garbage retrieval.

“Previously, transporting waste from the upper sections of Everest to the base camp would take six to seven hours. Now, drones complete the task in just one to two minutes, significantly reducing risks for climbers and workers,” said Milan Pandey, Director of Airlift Technology.

Currently, the project focuses on airlifting waste from an altitude of 6,130 meters down to the base camp. In 2024, similar efforts removed 234 kg of garbage from Camp-1 of Everest and 641 kg from Ama Dablam.

Mountaineering Community Welcomes the Move

According to Mingma David Sherpa, Vice President of the Nepal Mountaineering Association, the garbage crisis stems mainly from climbers abandoning waste. “The use of drones has made waste collection easier and safer, given the costs and dangers involved,” he said, adding that a mandatory waste management fee should be charged to climbers.

Corporate Responsibility Meets Climate Action

Sahil Shrestha, CEO of Cymax Inc., described the initiative as part of the company’s social responsibility and climate action efforts. “Our goal is to save Everest and contribute to reducing climate change,” he said.

Plans are underway to expand the campaign to other mountainous areas and national parks after the Everest cleanup is completed.

Everest, long a symbol of Nepal’s pride and global adventure, now finds an ally in drone technology to restore its natural beauty.