25,000+ Pieces of Trash Removed – A Big Win for Lake Tahoe’s Beauty
Written by ECO-CLEAN Solutions: December 17th, 2024
Ever wondered what Tahoe’s beach-cleaning robot, BEBOT, uncovers on its trash treasure hunts? Spoiler alert: it’s not buried treasure, but what we do find is an eye-opening look at how litter impacts one of the most pristine places on Earth.
While the metal detector pros might scoop up diamond rings, BEBOT’s sand-sifting mission reveals a different kind of haul—25,000+ pieces of trash, all removed from Lake Tahoe’s beloved shoreline in 2024 alone. It’s a staggering number, but behind it lies a larger story of pollution, progress, and a collective push for a cleaner future.
Image: Asample of plastic litter collected by BEBOT during summer cleanups, highlighting common items that accumulate over time on Tahoe’s beaches. Provided / Katy Jo Caringer of ECO-CLEAN Solutions
Trash with a Story: What’s Polluting Tahoe’s Beaches?
Among the thousands of pieces of litter removed in 2024, plastic pollution dominated, making up nearly 50% of all litter, followed by a few most frequent discoveries:
• 🛑 Cigarette butts & nicotine pouches
• ⚙️ Bottle caps on bottle caps
• 💅 Acrylic nails (the beach runway is officially closed)
• 🌱 “Biodegradable” straws—still looking new and not-so-biodegradable
• 🪞 Broken glass (ouch!)
• ♻️ Plastic galore (enough to start a garbage patch—seriously).
These findings tell a clear story: single-use plastics and careless littering are taking a toll on Lake Tahoe’s environment.
Image: Analyzing litter collected by BEBOT in the lab at Desert Research Institute with ECO-CLEAN Solutions
From Data to Action: Why Every Piece of Trash Matters
ECO-CLEAN Solutions didn’t stop at cleaning the beaches. In collaboration with research students from the Desert Research Institute (DRI), the team meticulously categorized, counted, and weighed each piece of litter. This rigorous data collection helps:
• Identify litter hotspots and seasonal trends.
• Provide critical information to shape policies against single-use plastics.
• Highlight how seemingly small items—like cigarette butts or bottle caps—add up to a massive pollution problem.
“BEBOT is not just cleaning beaches—it’s uncovering the story behind the litter,” said Harris. “By addressing its sources, we can push for stronger bans on single-use plastics, increase the availability of cigarette canisters, and implement more preventative measures to protect our shorelines from being ‘loved to death’ during peak season.”
Image: A pristine shoreline restored by BEBOT at Moon Dune Beach in North Lake Tahoe. Photo by Katy Jo Caringer of ECO-CLEAN Solutions.
Tourism Dollars at Work
This effort would not be possible without collaboration across organizations. Kirstin Guinn, Marketing Director for the North Tahoe Community Alliance (NTCA), shared how critical initiatives like this benefit both the environment and the community:
“It directly benefits the environment by keeping microplastics out of the lake, but it also provides a clean-slate so that people can enjoy a pristine beach. And hopefully, enjoying a pristine beach will help motivate everyone to do their individual part to keep it that way. It is the perfect example of putting tourism dollars to work to benefit the environment, the people, and ultimately the economic health of our community.”
This project, supported by TOT-TBID Dollars At Work, is a prime example of sustainable tourism in action—where environmental preservation meets community and economic well-being.
Image: BEBOT at Lake Forest Beach in North Lake Tahoe, meticulously sifting through the sand, removing tiny litter and debris in order to protect the lake’s natural beauty. Photo by: Katy Jo Caringer
How You Can Be Part of the Solution
Lake Tahoe’s beauty is iconic, but keeping it that way is a collective effort. We invite you to join us in being part of the solution:
✅ Join a local clean up near you – Learn how to get involved here.
✅ Embrace sustainable tourism practices – Pack it in, pack it out.
✅ Inspire friends and visitors – help them leave Tahoe better than they found it.
This holiday season, please consider supporting our Lake-saving mission with a tax-deductible gift to our partner, Keep Tahoe Blue. Your contribution helps ensure Tahoe’s shorelines stay clean and its waters crystal-clear for generations to come.
By leaving these places better than we found them, we ensure Lake Tahoe remains a natural wonder for future generations to explore and enjoy. Every action—big or small—makes a difference. Next time you visit, remember to leave no trace, inspire others to do the same, and help #KeepTahoeBlue.
💪 Together, we can ensure that the only treasures on Tahoe’s beaches are the memories we make there.
Want to get involved or learn more? Follow ECO-CLEAN Solutions on social to stay updated on future cleanups and initiatives.