Tahoe’s beach-cleaning robot is back in action with expanded role
ECO-CLEAN Solutions and the League to Save Lake Tahoe are kicking off the 2023 summer season by expanding their robot-powered, beach-cleaning initiative to cover entire Tahoe beaches. The BEBOT completed the first-ever full cleanup of a private beach in Lake Tahoe, combing through Tahoe Beach Club’s shoreline at Stateline, Nevada.
More full beach cleanings at sites around the Lake are on tap for the coming months, and a second machine will be added to the robot fleet.
League to Save Lake Tahoe, ECO-CLEAN Solutions and Tahoe Beach Club team up to fight litter.
In 2022, the League and ECO-CLEAN introduced the West Coast’s first beach-cleaning robot to Tahoe. Our goal was to pilot test the technology’s ability to support traditional litter-fighting efforts by removing difficult-to-detect, hard-to-remove trash from below the surface, where beach staff and volunteers may miss it.
“Last year’s pilot project showed that the BEBOT can act as the last line of defense against beach litter, especially plastics, before they pollute Lake Tahoe,” said Jesse Patterson, chief strategy officer for the League to Save Lake Tahoe. “Innovative technologies combined with people power can help protect the Lake until we solve the litter problem altogether.”
During the 2022 pilot project, the BEBOT cleaned 72,000 square feet across 11 private and public beaches, collecting 4,500 pieces of litter, the vast majority of them plastic. Explore the full results in this interactive StoryMap: keeptahoeblue.org/bebot2022.
Cleanup efforts with stewardship-focused partners like Tahoe Beach Club are a testament to the commitment of nonprofits and local businesses to preserve the Lake’s health and beauty. Over 200 pieces of small litter and organic debris were unearthed during the first full beach cleanup at Tahoe Beach Club, the majority being small plastic pieces, Styrofoam debris, bottle caps and cigarette butts.
The data being collected from the BEBOT’s cleanups will also be used to estimate the amount of trash lurking beneath the sand across Tahoe, and to support the League’s advocacy for litter-prevention policies, such as the City of South Lake Tahoe’s ban on plastic water bottles.
The League and ECO-CLEAN Solutions are pleased to partner with Tahoe Beach Club on their sustainability initiatives. The work sets an example for how to take action that prioritizes the health of our environment. Tahoe Beach Club is committed to leaving a legacy for the next generation, eliminating the use of single-use plastics on site, employing sustainable building practices, forming their own litter-fighting Tahoe Blue Crew, and using eco-friendly products throughout their facilities.
“With the future in mind, Tahoe Beach Club is focused on leaving an eco-friendly legacy for the next generation,” said Kevin Speer, general manager of Tahoe Beach Club. “Our footprint calling is to be stewards of the Lake, ambassadors of the beach, and partners in the community.”
To learn more about the BEBOT, visit keeptahoeblue.org/bebot and eco-cleansolutions.com.
First full private beach cleanup at Tahoe Beach Club completed on 6/23/23 with ECO-CLEAN Solutions.