Photo: Robert Kern | Wikimedia Commons
Early next year, heavy lifter drones will begin clearing garbage off Mount Everest. In 2015, a rule was enacted requiring all visitors to make a $4,000 “garbage deposit” that’s only refunded if they return to base with at least 17.6 pounds of trash. Now, Nepali officials are turning to a Chinese drone manufacturer to lessen the danger to local Sherpa guides who often carry the waste back. In March 2025, they will begin employing advanced technology to fly into high-altitude zones and remove waste. During a test, the drone lifted over 515 pounds of trash between base camp and camp 1 every hour — a job that would take at least 14 porters six hours to complete.
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