SPCC and CBCF strengthen Everest 1° initiative to boost sustainable waste management in Everest region

KATHMANDU: On the occasion of World Environment Day 2026, the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee (SPCC) and the Cimex BYD Charity Foundation (CBCF) have reaffirmed their long-term collaboration under the “Everest 1° Initiative,” a flagship environmental program aimed at promoting sustainable waste management, climate resilience, clean energy adoption, and environmental stewardship in the Everest region.

The initiative, inspired by BYD’s global vision to “Cool the Earth by 1°C,” was jointly launched in 2025 to address escalating environmental pressures in the Khumbu region, where mountaineering activity and climate change continue to threaten fragile Himalayan ecosystems.

Mount Everest faces mounting waste crisis

For decades, Mount Everest has faced growing environmental stress from expedition activity and rapid climate change. According to conservation estimates cited in the initiative, more than 80 tons of waste—including oxygen cylinders, plastics, climbing gear, and human waste—remain scattered across high-altitude zones. This accumulation poses long-term risks to glaciers, water sources, and local communities dependent on the mountain ecosystem.

Everest Rangers Base established at Camp II

A major milestone under the initiative was achieved during the Spring 2026 climbing season with the establishment of SPCC’s first-ever Everest Rangers Base at Camp II. With support from CBCF, SPCC deployed two dedicated Everest Rangers to strengthen environmental compliance monitoring, waste management oversight, climber awareness, and emergency support services at extreme altitude.

Throughout the season, the Rangers conducted continuous monitoring of waste management operations above Base Camp, ensured compliance with mandatory waste-return requirements (minimum 2 kg per climber) from Camp III and Camp IV, and promoted responsible disposal practices among expedition teams operating in the higher Himalayan zones.

Record Everest traffic, improved waste recovery outcomes

The Spring 2026 season recorded the highest number of climbers in Everest’s history, with 701 climbers participating across Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse expeditions. Despite the increased pressure, SPCC reported significant progress in waste recovery and environmental management operations.

Key outcomes from SPCC’s monitoring and cleanup operations include:

• 1,226 kilograms of non-recyclable waste recovered from Camp III and the South Col
• 210 EPI gas canisters and 1,769 human waste “poop bags” transported down from higher camps
• 6,522 kilograms of additional waste removed through SPCC’s Khumbu Icefall checkpoint, including plastics, metal cans, paper, kitchen waste, tents, ropes, and other expedition materials

Technology-driven conservation and drone support

The Everest 1° Initiative is also expanding the use of technology for environmental protection. Building on a 2025 pilot collaboration with Airlift Technologies, drone-assisted waste collection has demonstrated strong potential in high-altitude logistics. During the pilot phase, 283 kilograms of waste were successfully transported from Camp I, highlighting the viability of aerial systems in extreme terrain conditions.

SPCC and CBCF are now working to scale up drone-assisted waste transportation as part of a broader strategy to modernize conservation practices in the Everest region.

Clean energy push at Everest Base Camp

As part of its sustainability commitments, CBCF has supported SPCC with the donation and installation of a 5 KVA solar photovoltaic (PV) power system at Everest Base Camp. The system provides clean, renewable energy while reducing reliance on fuel-based generators in one of the world’s most remote and environmentally sensitive locations.

Future expansion of Everest 1° Initiative

Looking ahead, SPCC and CBCF plan to strengthen environmental infrastructure across the Everest region through a series of new interventions. These include climber environmental orientation programs, specialized human waste management systems, expanded waste collection facilities at higher camps, and broader deployment of drone-based logistics solutions.

Through the Everest 1° Initiative, both organizations aim to establish a long-term model of Himalayan conservation that integrates innovation, community participation, clean energy adoption, and responsible mountaineering practices—designed to safeguard the Everest ecosystem for future generations.