Minimising Our Waste Footprint: How We Manage Rubbish on Trek

Minimising our impact where formal waste systems do not exist

In regions like Nepal and Bhutan, where waste infrastructure is limited or absent, we take full responsibility for what we bring in and how we manage what is left behind. Our goal is not only to leave no trace, but to lead by example and actively improve the health of the environments we travel through.

Reducing Waste from the Start

Our local teams, including cooks and guides, minimise waste at its source by using reusable containers, avoiding single-use plastics, and choosing ingredients with minimal packaging. Travellers bring refillable bottles and we supply safe, filtered water.

Taking More Out Than We Bring In: The 10 Pieces Initiative

We invite travellers to pick up 10 pieces of litter a day on treks in Nepal, Bhutan, India, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Tanzania and Peru. Guides brief groups, provide bags, and ensure responsible disposal.

Sorting and Responsible Disposal on the Trail

• Organic waste is composted or buried far from water sources.
• Hazardous waste is carried out for safe disposal.
• Combustibles and low-toxicity plastics are incinerated in custom incinerators.
• High-toxicity plastics are never burned and are sent to licensed facilities.

Clean Incineration in Wilderness Settings

We use a high-efficiency incinerator developed with Tim Macartney-Snape. Burns are high-temperature, outdoors, and only for approved materials. Remaining ash is buried away from water sources.

What You Can Do: Travelling Light and Right

• Pack light and avoid unnecessary packaging.
• Choose reusable over disposable.
• Follow Guide instructions for separating waste.
• Join the 10 Pieces initiative.

Leaving It Better Than We Found It

By taking more out than we bring in and by training local teams, we help fragile environments thrive.

Related: 10 Pieces Litter Collection Program | Protecting Bhutan’s Highlands for Future Generations