Is there a lot of trash on Mount Rinjani?

There is a noticeable amount of trash on Mount Rinjani, especially along the more popular routes and around the crater rims. The mountain receives thousands of visitors each year, and despite ongoing cleanup efforts, litter remains one of the biggest challenges for the national park. Items such as plastic bottles, food wrappers, and abandoned gear can accumulate quickly when hikers or irresponsible operators fail to pack out their waste. Wind also scatters lightweight trash across the slopes, making cleanup even more difficult.

Because of this, responsible trekking practices are extremely important. All visitors are expected to carry every piece of trash back down the mountain, including small items like tissue, candy wrappers, or loose plastic. Leaving waste behind harms the environment, affects local wildlife, and spoils the natural beauty that makes Rinjani so special. The national park depends heavily on guides and trekking companies to enforce proper waste management, since many hikers underestimate how much garbage a multi-day trip produces.

Our team at Lombok-Indonesia.org takes this issue seriously. We always carry down more trash than we bring up, and our guides and porters clean the campsites and trails as part of every trek. Extra bags are used specifically for collecting both our own waste and the trash left behind by others. These small efforts make a meaningful difference over time and help preserve Mount Rinjani for future generations of hikers.

While trash is an ongoing problem, responsible trekkers and ethical operators play a major role in improving the condition of the mountain. Carrying out everything you bring in, reducing single-use plastics, and supporting companies that practice proper waste management all contribute to keeping Rinjani clean.