Title
Supervisor Laine recommending the Board consider supporting an ordinance on polystyrene, plastic food packaging and single-use water bottles in the unincorporated portion of the Tahoe Basin to create unified regulations with the City of South Lake Tahoe and provide direction to staff to develop the ordinance.
FUNDING: N/A
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DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
To reduce environmental impacts, promote long-term sustainability, and support regional waste reduction efforts, Supervisor Laine is requesting the Board support a policy to establish regulations on single-use plastic water bottles, plastic food packaging, and polystyrene products within El Dorado County’s unincorporated portion of the Tahoe Basin.
The City of South Lake Tahoe amended its ordinance to include a ban on single-use plastic water bottles of less than one gallon from being sold within city limits, with an exemption for emergencies. The ban went into effect in 2024.
The Tahoe Basin’s high elevation, sensitive watershed, and year-round recreational use create unique environmental pressures. The South Shore of Lake Tahoe hosts over 15 million visitors annually.
A 2023 study in the journal “Nature” identified Lake Tahoe as having the third-highest concentration of microplastics among 38 lakes and reservoirs worldwide, a concentration higher than some ocean garbage patches.
Human generated litter, such as plastic bottles and bags, breaks down in microplastics, with a portion likely ending up in the lake. Inflowing streams, stormwater runoff, and even moving snow are known pathways for transporting the microplastics into the lake.
On September 5, 2025, the “Journal of Hazardous Materials” reported that nano and microplastics presented a great risk to human health and ecosystems. They further stated that focused regulations to reduce single-use water bottles are essential.
A unified ban within the basin aligning with the City of South Lake Tahoe and El Dorado County’s Code of Ordinances makes sense. The ban has significant public support. In fact, several Raley’s grocery stores in the Tahoe area have partnered with the Tahoe Environmental Research Center (TERC) in order to print reusable metal water bottles that feature “Drink Tahoe Tap ®” and plastic-free messaging. Raley’s launched this campaign to encourage customers to make the more sustainable choice of going reusable in the single-use plastic water bottle aisle. Due to the success of this initial project, Raley’s has expanded the campaign to other stores in Truckee, CA and Reno, NV.
Placer County is considering similar bans with Truckee, CA in an effort to make the whole of the basin within California unified.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board could decide not to support regulations.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
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OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
Environmental Management
FINANCIAL IMPACT
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CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
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STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
N/A
CONTACT
Kim Dawson x5393