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A team of drone operators partnered with climbers and guides at Everest Base Camp this climbing season, equipped with heavy-duty drones to assist in removing waste from the world’s tallest mountain.
Mountains of trash—ranging from empty cans and gas canisters to bottles, plastic debris, and abandoned climbing equipment—have transformed once-pristine Everest into the so-called “highest garbage dump in the world.”
During the spring climbing season, which typically runs from April through early June, two DJI FC 30 heavy-lift drones were deployed to Camp 1 at 6,065 meters (19,900 feet), successfully airlifting 300 kilograms (roughly 660 pounds) of waste down the mountain.
“We had limited options apart from helicopters and manual labor, with nothing in between,” explained Raj Bikram Maharjan from Nepal-based Airlift Technology, the organization behind the project.
“To address this challenge, we devised a plan to use our heavy-lift drones to carry the trash.”
Following a successful trial on Everest last year, the company tested their system on nearby Mount Ama Dablam, extracting 641 kilograms of waste.
“This marks a groundbreaking effort to make mountain environments cleaner and safer,” stated Tashi Lhamu Sherpa, vice chairman of the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu rural municipality overseeing Everest.
The drones have proved to be more efficient, more cost-effective, and safer than previous methods, according to Tshering Sherpa, head of the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee.
“In just ten minutes, a drone can transport as much garbage as ten people would in six hours,” Sherpa noted to AFP.
The drones, costing approximately $20,000 each, were supplied by their manufacturer headquartered in China, supporting cleanup efforts and promoting its brand. The local authorities also covered some of the expenses.
Beyond waste collection, these drones are being used to deliver critical climbing supplies such as oxygen cylinders, ladders, and ropes, reducing hazardous trips across the Khumbu Icefall—one of Everest’s most perilous sections.
This can significantly enhance safety for guides and porters, especially the early “fixing” teams who establish routes at the start of each climbing season.
“Fixing teams are very pleased,” said Nima Rinji Sherpa, a legendary climber and the youngest person to summit all 14 of Earth’s highest peaks.
“They can now go alone, with the drone carrying ladders, oxygen, and ropes, saving time and energy.”
Next month, Airlift Technology plans to deploy its drones to Mount Manaslu, the world’s eighth-highest peak.
“As Maharjan points out, drones aren’t just useful in conflict zones—they can also save lives and protect the environment,” emphasizing their potential in climate and humanitarian efforts.
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