Drones Clean Qomolangma

Flying rubbish collectors are helping to solve Mount Qomolangma’s waste problem. Since the first try at reaching the mountain's top in 1922, climbing teams have left lots of tents, food cans and other rubbish. Each year, about 1,000 foreign climbers try to climb the mountain from the Nepal side, which is the most popular route. It is believed that they each leave behind about eight kilograms of waste.

Qomolangma’s top is the highest point on Earth. It stands 8,848.86 meters above sea level and there are many camps where climbers rest before reaching the top. Clean-up teams believe that, at the last camp before the top, there are about 40tonnes of rubbish. That's about the same weight as three buses.

A Nepalese company called Airlift Technology is using drones to pick up waste. The flying machines can carry up to 15 kilograms per trip. In two months, they have taken away about a tonne of rubbish. The Nepalese government and the drone maker DJI also take part in this project.

A leader of Airlift Technology told reporters that the drones can also carry equipment(设备) up to the mountain and plan routes. For tens of years, local guides known as Sherpas have set paths for climbers and carried equipment. Now, drones are helping.