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

Mount Everest, lengthy revered because the “roof of the world,” has lately earned a far much less flattering title: the “highest dumpster on Earth.” But this climbing season, a new weapon was deployed in opposition to the mountain’s rising waste disaster, heavy-duty drones, AFP reported.At Everest Base Camp, a group of drone operators joined climbers and guides in a mission to haul tonnes of garbage, from empty cans and plastic bottles to gasoline canisters and discarded gear, off the slopes. Two DJI FC 30 drones have been flown to Camp 1 at 6,065 metres (19,900 toes), airlifting 300 kilograms (660 kilos) of trash down through the spring climbing season.“The only options were helicopters and manpower, with no option in between,” mentioned Raj Bikram Maharjan of Nepal-based Airlift Technology, which spearheaded the undertaking. “So, as a solution, we came up with the concept of using our heavy-lift drone to carry garbage.”A ‘revolutionary’ answerThe cleanup drive follows a profitable trial on close by Mount Ama Dablam final 12 months, the place drones eliminated 641 kilos of waste. Local officers say the machines are remodeling mountain operations.“In just 10 minutes, a drone can carry as much garbage as 10 people would take six hours to carry,” mentioned Tshering Sherpa of the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee. Tashi Lhamu Sherpa, vice chairman of the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu municipality, known as the undertaking “a revolutionary drive in the mountains to make it cleaner and safer.”More than simply trashBeyond waste removing, drones at the moment are delivering oxygen cylinders, ladders, and ropes throughout Everest’s perilous Khumbu Icefall, sparing guides and porters from life-threatening treks. “It saves a lot of time and energy,” mentioned record-breaking climber Nima Rinji Sherpa, the youngest to summit all 14 of the world’s highest peaks.Each drone prices round $20,000, supplied by Chinese producer DJI, whereas native authorities assist cowl operational bills. Airlift Technology now plans to broaden the initiative to Mount Manaslu, the world’s eighth-highest peak.“It’s not just in war that drones are useful,” Maharjan mentioned. “They can save lives and protect the environment. For climate and humanitarian work, this technology is going to be a game changer.”