Nepal Ends Failed Everest Waste Deposit Scheme After 11 Years
The Spin
Narrative A
Nepal's garbage deposit scheme on Everest was a complete failure that wasted 11 years and accomplished nothing. The $4,000 refundable deposit became meaningless tip money for wealthy climbers who simply abandoned waste at higher camps while gaming the system by returning trash only from lower elevations. Without proper enforcement, expert oversight or stakeholder input, the scheme suffered from organizational chaos, political instability and liaison officer corruption that made it impossible to monitor what actually happened on the mountain.
Narrative B
Cleanup efforts have made real progress in tackling Everest's waste crisis through coordinated action. The Nepal Army has collected nearly 40 tons of solid waste since 2019, while local organizations like the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee manage waste through incinerators and recycling programs. Recent campaigns have successfully curbed garbage problems at base camp and lower areas, proving that sustained cleanup operations combined with deposit requirements and climber incentives can protect the mountain for future generations.