Dive Brief:

• 2.6 tons of waste left atop Mt. Apo, in the Philippines, was removed by 300 mountain climbers. The clean-up effort lasted three days, from June 10 through the 13. 
• The local tourism office in Kidapawan City has orchestrated many activities that travelers can participate in to help reduce the volume of waste left behind by fellow explorers. 
• Discarded items picked up along the hiking trails include snack wrappers, cigarette butts, cellophane and water bottles. 

Dive Insight:

There are around six trails that are used by trekkers climbing up the mountain. The local government is considering eliminating all but two trails in order to facilitate the clean-up.

In March, the tourism authority in Nepal announced climbers must descend with 18 pounds of waste. Adventure-seekers who failed to comply would be subjected to penalties and face fines. If this proves to be a successful measure, expect to see similar rules at other popular mountain climbing destinations throughout the world.