A Nepalese mountaineer who has climbed Mount Everest more times than any other climber, is leading a new expedition to clean up trash left behind on the world's tallest peak.

The Sherpa named Apa and a team of climbers and guides left for Everest Wednesday with the intention of hauling away 4,000 kilograms of the garbage left behind by climbers over the years.

The trash that has accumulated on the mountain since it was first conquered in 1953 and includes oxygen tanks, ropes and tents.

As an incentive, expedition members will be paid $1.40 for every kilogram of junk they haul off the mountain.

Apa, who goes by one name, has climbed Everest a record 20 times in as many years. 

Speaking about the importance of this environmentally-minded expedition, he told the Associated Press "I want to do this for my country, my people and for Everest."