Climbers making the arduous journey to the world's highest mountain will be required by local authorities to collect their waste in garbage bags during the long journey to the top, the BBC reported in early February. .

The rule change was reportedly part of an effort to address mountain pollution, including human waste, caused by the growing number of climbers. It is estimated that there is about 3 tons of human waste on Everest between Camps 1 and 4, and the average climber produces about 250 grams of human waste per day. According to the report, BBC. The waste reportedly could not fully decompose due to low mountain temperatures.

“We have received complaints that human feces can be seen on the rocks and that some climbers have become unwell. This is unacceptable and tarnishes our image,” said Mingma, chairman of Pasang Lamu Municipality.・Mr Sherpa told the BBC.

Climbers climbing Mount Everest will be required to collect their waste in doggy bags and take it back to base camp, according to new regulations from local authorities seeking to tackle the littering problem on the world's highest mountain. https://t.co/UNnUiif0S1

— Washington Post (@washingtonpost) February 22, 2024

At the base camp, where climbers stay to acclimatize to the mountain's climate, some tents serve as toilets by emptying barrels placed on the ground. However, the paper said they must dig holes to climb the mountain, or go outside if that is not possible. (Related: 'Blowing off steam': Lawyer suspended for allegedly pooping in Pringles can and throwing it into parking lot)

To reduce the amount of frozen waste left on the mountainside, climbers are given two waste bags at base camp. The bags can be used multiple times and are filled with chemicals that harden the waste and reduce odors, the newspaper reported. The journey could reportedly take several weeks to complete, and would require climbers to carry their excrement in bags to the summit before returning to base camp again.

It is reportedly still unclear exactly how this requirement will be enforced. It is unclear whether bags are weighed to determine if they were used during the climb. washington post report.

The process of bagging climbers' excrement to protect mountains is not new. The BBC reports that it takes place on Mount Denali, the highest mountain in the United States, and on Antarctica.