Kathmandu — Mount Everest, long hailed as the world’s highest peak, is now also infamous as the “world’s highest garbage dump.” But a high-tech solution is taking flight. During the most recent climbing season, drones were deployed for the first time to help Sherpas carry trash off the mountain — and the results are promising.

Two DJI FlyCart 30 drones, operated by Nepal’s Airlift Technology, hauled over 280 kilograms of refuse from Camp 1 (6,065 metres) down to base camp, a journey that takes Sherpas four hours on foot but only six minutes by drone. These drones, originally used to carry climbing supplies up, return loaded with trash — including human waste, oxygen canisters, and old ladders.

Sherpas, who typically shoulder 20 kilograms each through hazardous glacier terrain, welcomed the help. “We’re very happy,” said Lhakpa Nuru Sherpa of Asian Trekking. “Around 70% of the garbage our team usually carries was handled by drones this year.”

Everest’s garbage crisis has worsened since the 1990s. Despite efforts by Sherpas and the Nepalese Army, more than 100 tons of waste still litter the mountain. New government rules require climbers to carry down 8kg of trash or risk losing a US$4,000 deposit.

With climate change accelerating glacial melt and revealing decades-old waste, the urgency is rising. However, drone use is limited — they can’t fly to higher camps where the air is too thin, and unpredictable winds can cause accidents.

Still, Airlift plans to expand testing with international drone partners, aiming to scale clean-up operations across other Himalayan peaks. “At these altitudes,” said co-founder Milan Pandey, “we’re the only company in the world doing this.”