Mount Everest is the world's highest mountain. An increase in the number of climbers has led to poo being left on the slopes. A local official said: "Our mountains have begun to stink." He added: "Human poo is visible on rocks, and some climbers are falling sick. This is not acceptable. It damages our image." Climbers must now buy a bio-degradable "poop bag" for their poo. They then throw the bag away when they come down from the mountain.

The problem of waste and litter on Everest is growing. Climbers leave camping equipment and cans of oxygen on the slopes. There may be over three tons of human poo between Base Camp and the top of Everest. Much of this freezes. It does not degrade. The India Today website said the poop bags will help to "restore the dignity of this iconic peak". It added that the bags would be good for the health of climbers and the local environment".