Nepal has decided to scrap the $4,000 deposit system that Everest climbers were required to pay, which was to be refunded only if they brought down at least 8 kg of garbage. According to the authorities, the program has not yielded results in 11 years, and garbage on Everest continues to accumulate, reaching about 50 tons.
It turned out that climbers mainly brought garbage from lower camps, while the most serious problem is in the upper reaches, where tents, empty containers, and food packages are left. In addition, a lack of control has been a serious obstacle.
The new rules introduce a non-refundable $4,000 cleaning fee to strengthen control and cleanup efforts. The goal is to finally solve Everest’s garbage problem, which is exacerbated by the growing number of climbers every year.
