Sustainable Living

Waste Not is the Incline Village General Improvement District’s conservation program and provides community conservation services to protect our resources. The Waste Not program falls under the umbrella of the IVGID Public Works department. Our mission is to empower sustainable living in Incline Village and Crystal Bay by providing conservation programs for recycling, household hazardous waste disposal, water conservation, watershed management, and education.

Waste Not Contact Information

Use the Contact Us Form (choose “Waste Not”) or call 775-832-1284 if you have any questions about these programs or initiatives.

Waste Not Programs & Initiatives

Bear Smart living and Wildlife Awareness

American Black Bears are common in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Unfortunately, human activity has allowed bears to become habituated to human food and garbage. Black Bears will seek to avoid confrontation with humans. If encountered, always leave them an escape route. However, bears that are accustomed to getting food from human sources, such as unlocked dumpsters, can become too bold and lose their fear of humans. To avoid this behavior, do not let bears get used to eating garbage. Visit the Bear Awareness page for resources and tips.

Household Hazardous Waste & E-Waste Disposal

Residents of Incline Village and Crystal Bay may drop off household hazardous and electronic waste by appointment only. Visit the Household Hazardous Waste Program page for details and appointments.

School Education Programs

Waste Not is available for educational outreach at local schools on various topics including water conservation, water quality, recycling, bear awareness, and more. Contact them via our Contact Us Form (choose “Waste Not”) or call 775-832-1284 to learn more.

Incline Village & Crystal Bay Community Cleanups

IVGID Waste Not organizes and promotes community cleanups in conjunction with The League to Save Lake Tahoe (Tahoe Blue Crew) and other local organizations. Picking up litter helps beautify our town and prevent watershed pollution! Check the events section for the next organized cleanup date.

June 7, 2025: Incline Green Clean – view details
September (TBD): The Great Sierra Clean Up at the Recreation Center

Nevada Green Business Network

As a member or the Nevada Green Business Network, a statewide green business certification program, Waste Not is available to work with Incline Village and Crystal Bay businesses to offer free assistance to help them get recognized as a green business in Nevada.

Holiday Tree Recycling & Chipping Program

Each year following the winter holidays IVGID sets up a a drop-off area for Christmas trees recycling. Trees are chipped by North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District for local erosion control projects. There is typically a curbside tree collection week in January as well. Ornaments, tinsel, lights and tree stands must be removed before recycling. Program details and dates are typically posted on the Holiday Tree Recycling Program page in early December.

Leave Only Footprints Articles & Tips

The Incline Village General Improvement District recognizes that the community of Crystal Bay and Incline Village is a system of built, natural, and human networks. Our environmental resources are pristine, yet growing populations, drought and climate change threaten the resiliency of our community. In this series of articles and tips, we strive to provide resources to help our locals and visitors preserve the natural environment that we love here in the Tahoe region.

The Scoop on Dog Poop: Tahoe is a dog’s paradise, with endless trails and cool fresh water. But dog waste has potential harmful impacts on the watershed, if not collected and disposed of properly. Read article…
Take the Lake Tahoe Traveler Responsibility Pledge: The Traveler Responsibility Pledge was developed so residents and visitors can enjoy the unique culture and natural beauty of our region responsibly. Read article…
Stream Zone Etiquette: Third Creek is an important stream to multiple species of fish that inhabit Lake Tahoe but rely on the streams around the basin to carry out their life cycle and spawn on an annual basis. Read about how working to improve conditions there will not only benefit the fish and species that rely on the system but the community in the Stream Zone. Read article…