Is Nepal Scrapping Its Failed Mount Everest Waste Deposit Scheme?

The Nepalese government is scrapping a deposit scheme aimed at reducing waste on Mount Everest, citing its ineffectiveness over the past eleven years. Climbers were required to pay a £2,964 ($4,000) deposit, refundable only if they brought back at least 8kg of waste. However, the initiative failed to significantly address the estimated 50 tonnes of garbage on the mountain, as climbers primarily returned waste from lower camps rather than tackling the higher camps where the problem is most severe.

Last updated: 25 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

As of late October 2023, Nepalese authorities have officially announced the discontinuation of the deposit scheme for climbers on Mount Everest. The decision follows years of increasing waste accumulation, with officials indicating that the scheme has failed to yield tangible results in reducing rubbish on the mountain. Instead, a new approach involving a non-refundable clean-up fee is being proposed, which will be used to enhance monitoring and clean-up efforts at higher camps.

Key takeaways

• The deposit scheme for waste management on Mount Everest has been scrapped after 11 years.
• Climbers primarily returned waste from lower camps, not addressing the higher camps' rubbish.
• A new non-refundable clean-up fee is set to replace the deposit system to fund monitoring efforts.

Timeline: how we got here

Here is a brief timeline outlining key developments surrounding waste management on Mount Everest:

• 2010: The Nepalese government introduces the £2,964 ($4,000) deposit scheme to encourage climbers to bring back waste from the mountain.
• 2023: After 11 years, authorities announce the failure of the deposit scheme and plan for a new non-refundable clean-up fee.
• 25 October 2023: The decision to scrap the deposit scheme is officially communicated to the public.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Officials have indicated that a new non-refundable clean-up fee is set to be introduced, which will be used to establish checkpoints and deploy mountain rangers to monitor climbers more effectively. This fee aims to create a dedicated fund for ongoing waste management efforts on Everest.

What was already established

Since the introduction of the deposit scheme in 2010, climbers have consistently failed to address the waste issue at higher camps, with most returning waste from lower elevations. The existing issues of inadequate monitoring and enforcement have also been longstanding challenges.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The scrapping of the deposit scheme may influence UK climbers planning expeditions to Everest, as they may have to account for the new non-refundable fee in their budgeting. This change could affect overall travel costs and the appeal of climbing expeditions to Everest.

Businesses and jobs

Local businesses that support climbers may see changes in footfall and spending, reflecting alterations in climbers’ budgets due to the new fee. Additionally, the establishment of rangers and checkpoints could create new job opportunities in the region.

Policy and regulation

The shift in policy indicates a potential move towards stricter regulations around climbing and waste management in the Everest region. The tourism ministry’s commitment to a five-year clean-up plan could lead to increased scrutiny of climbing practices and impacts on the environment.

Numbers that matter

• 50 tonnes: the estimated amount of waste currently on Mount Everest.
• 12kg: average waste produced by each climber during their expedition.
• 400: the average number of climbers per year, excluding support staff.

Definitions and jargon buster

• Deposit scheme: A financial arrangement where climbers pay a sum that is refundable upon meeting specific conditions, intended to incentivise waste management.
• Non-refundable fee: A charge that climbers will pay which will not be returned, aimed at funding clean-up operations.
• Monitoring: The systematic observation of climbers' waste disposal practices to ensure compliance with regulations.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate weeks ahead, climbers planning expeditions to Everest should stay informed about the new non-refundable fee and any regulations that may arise following parliamentary discussions. They should prepare for changes in budget allocations for their expeditions.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the new fee structure is implemented, climbers and supporting businesses will need to adjust to the financial implications and potential changes in climbing logistics, including enhanced monitoring of waste management practices.

Signals to watch

• Updates from the Nepalese government regarding the implementation of the non-refundable fee.
• Reports on the effectiveness of new monitoring strategies and their impact on waste management.
• Feedback from climbers on their experiences under the new regulations.

Practical guidance

Do

• Research the new fee structure and budget accordingly for your expedition.
• Stay updated on guidelines and regulations related to climbing waste management.
• Engage with local communities to understand the environmental impact of climbing.

Don’t

• Ignore the importance of waste management when planning your expedition.
• Assume that the new regulations will not impact your climbing experience.
• Disregard local customs and concerns regarding environmental sustainability.

Checklist

• Review your climbing gear for waste management capacity.
• Confirm your understanding of the new fee and its purpose.
• Plan how you will manage your waste during the expedition.
• Connect with fellow climbers to share best practices for waste disposal.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the new non-refundable fee aims to improve waste management on Mount Everest, uncertainties remain regarding its implementation and effectiveness. The success of this initiative will largely depend on how well it is enforced and monitored at higher camps, as previous efforts suffered from inadequate oversight. It remains to be seen whether climbers will respond positively to this new fee structure and if it will lead to a significant reduction in waste.

Bottom line

The scrapping of the deposit scheme for Mount Everest climbers marks a pivotal moment in Nepal's approach to managing waste on the mountain. While the previous system proved ineffective, the introduction of a non-refundable clean-up fee indicates a new commitment to addressing environmental concerns. Climbers should prepare for these changes, understanding their roles in contributing to sustainable mountaineering practices.

FAQs

What is the new fee for climbers on Mount Everest?

The new fee for climbers is expected to be £2,964 ($4,000), which will be non-refundable and used to support clean-up and monitoring efforts on the mountain.

Why did the deposit scheme fail?

The deposit scheme failed primarily because climbers often returned waste from lower camps rather than addressing the significant rubbish accumulation at higher camps, coupled with a lack of monitoring.

What will happen to the waste on Everest now?

With the introduction of the non-refundable fee, authorities aim to improve waste management practices and ensure that climbers bring down more rubbish from the mountain, particularly from higher camps.