Cleaning the Death Zone After the Summit Push
In the past, the Mount Everest summit was littered with empty oxygen bottles. Today, new Mount Everest expedition mandates are turning the tide, making the mountain cleaner than ever.
Expedition teams now pay a high deposit that is only returned if they bring back all their oxygen cylinders. This has virtually eliminated new litter near the Mount Everest summit.
Many operators pay Sherpas a bonus for every empty bottle they carry down from the South Col. It’s a sustainable model that protects the Everest trekking environment.
Recovered bottles are often repurposed or recycled in Kathmandu. This circular economy is a vital part of modern Mount Everest expedition ethics.
The goal is a 'Trash-Free Everest'. By supporting clean expeditions, you ensure the Mount Everest summit stays pristine for the next generation of explorers.
