For many years, SPCC’s priority has been in solid waste management of Khumbu Region. However, as the problem of human waste has been emerging in the Region, SPCC has started taking several initiatives to address this problem.
Construction and Management of toilets at base camps of mountains & peaks
SPCC manages human waste at Everest Base Camp, Amadablam Base Camp, Island Peak Base Camp and Lobuche Peak Base Camp through portable toilets system. As these base camps are either located on the glaciers or nearby major water sources our efforts are targeted towards managing the human wastes properly so that it is not dumped on the glaciers and water sources.
Partnership with Mt. Everest Biogas Project:
For the past several years, SPCC has been closely working with Mt. Everest Biogas Project Team. Currently, human wastes and kitchen wastes generated by expedition groups of Mt. Everest, Mt. Nuptse and Mt. Lhotse at Everest Base Camp are being disposed in a pit near Gorakshep. With the goal of setting up a long-term sustainable solution to ensure safe disposal of human wastes, the Mt. Everest Biogas Project has designed and tested an innovative solution to convert human waste into biogas through an anaerobic biogas digester. When installed, this project will help in management of human waste generated by climbers of Mt. Everest in a sustainable manner at an altitude of 5,000 meters. To learn more about the Project, please visit http://mteverestbiogasproject.org
Construction and management of public toilets and water supply along trekking trails
In 2013, SPCC in partnership with Eco-Himal - Saving Mount Everest Project constructed four modern toilets – two at Topdada and another two at Police Check Post near Namche for providing sanitation facility for trekkers, guides, porters and local people. In addition, we have also setup water supply system at both the sites. We have recruited two staff to oversee the toilets. We have made provision to collect fee (Rs.50 per person) for one toilet, which will be used for maintenance. The other toilet is open for free use for public, particularly to encourage porters to use the toilet facility.
Construction of Garbage Bins and Awareness Program at schools
SPCC works closely with all schools located within Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality. We have built 10 garbage bins at 9 schools located within Khumbu Region, and we conduct regular awareness program on waste management and hygiene promotion at these schools.
