Mountaineers call on government to crack down on Mt Everest's human waste problem

The amount of human waste left on Mt Everest threatens to spread disease and is contributing to unacceptable levels of pollution, according to the head of Nepal's mountaineering association.

Once the domain of the world's most hardcore climbers, Everest used to symbolise humankind's ultimate struggle with nature, but Ang Tshering says it's time for the Nepalese government to crack down on those who leave more than footprints behind.

The mighty peak has become less respected over the years as its popularity among amateur climbers - even extending to corporate "bonding" expeditions - increased, and now Everest sees more than 700 climbers and guides over two months of every year.

These climbers use up to four base camps to acclimatise as they make their way up the mountain, and though the camps are otherwise adequately resourced, they do not have toilet facilities, aside from dedicated tents where the waste is stored in drums to be disposed of later.

But not all climbers use the drums; some carry small waste bags higher up towards the summit, and that is usually where they stay.

"It is a health hazard and the issue needs to be addressed," Sherpa Dawa Steven told the media.

The government says it intends to monitor the camps more intently this season by stationing officials there, Puspa Raj Katuwal, the head of the government's Mountaineering Department, said.

Last year new rules were introduced mandating climbers to remove eight kilograms of rubbish each (in addition to their own), to be deposited at base camp, with fines of up to $5114 for those who fail to comply.