'World's highest dumpster' gets a fix: $20,000 drones airlift tonnes of trash from Mount Everest — here's how it works

Mount Everest, long revered as the “roof of the world,” has in recent years earned a far less flattering title: the “highest dumpster on Earth.” But this climbing season, a new weapon was deployed against the mountain’s growing waste crisis, heavy-duty drones, AFP reported.

At Everest Base Camp, a team of drone operators joined climbers and guides in a mission to haul tonnes of rubbish, from empty cans and plastic bottles to gas canisters and discarded gear, off the slopes. Two DJI FC 30 drones were flown to Camp 1 at 6,065 metres (19,900 feet), airlifting 300 kilograms (660 pounds) of trash down during the spring climbing season.

“The only options were helicopters and manpower, with no option in between,” said Raj Bikram Maharjan of Nepal-based Airlift Technology , which spearheaded the project. “So, as a solution, we came up with the concept of using our heavy-lift drone to carry garbage.”

A ‘revolutionary’ solution

The cleanup drive follows a successful trial on nearby Mount Ama Dablam last year, where drones removed 641 kilos of waste. Local officials say the machines are transforming mountain operations.

“In just 10 minutes, a drone can carry as much garbage as 10 people would take six hours to carry,” said Tshering Sherpa of the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee. Tashi Lhamu Sherpa, vice chairman of the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu municipality, called the project “a revolutionary drive in the mountains to make it cleaner and safer.”

More than just trash

Beyond waste removal, drones are now delivering oxygen cylinders, ladders, and ropes across Everest’s perilous Khumbu Icefall, sparing guides and porters from life-threatening treks. “It saves a lot of time and energy,” said record-breaking climber Nima Rinji Sherpa, the youngest to summit all 14 of the world’s highest peaks.

Each drone costs around $20,000, provided by Chinese manufacturer DJI, while local authorities help cover operational expenses. Airlift Technology now plans to expand the initiative to Mount Manaslu, the world’s eighth-highest peak.

“It’s not just in war that drones are useful,” Maharjan said. “They can save lives and protect the environment. For climate and humanitarian work, this technology is going to be a game changer.”