Eight tons of garbage cleaned from Mt. Everest

(June 06, 2011) The Nepalese sherpas "cleaned" the Mount Everest to celebrate the 58 years since the first ascent to the roof of the world. On May 29, 29 climbers helped by 65 carriers and 75 yaks have transported downstream over 8 tons of waste, abandoned by tourists during the treks. Among the pieces of waste there were also helicopter parts, bottles and cans that have been trapped in ice for over 50 years. The non-recyclable materials will be turned into games and souvenirs by local people. The project called "Saving Mount Everest, Waste Management Project, 2011, was organized by the Everest Summiteers Association (ESA), Eco Himal, the Ministry of Tourism and civil aviation. Since 1953, more than 3,500 climbers have reached the summit of Mount Everest. Most expedition have left trails of waste. According to experts on the route there are still more than 50 tons of garbage.