LAX: no more single-use plastic water bottles

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has decided to fully ban the sale of single-use plastic water bottles. The ban is part of the airport’s long-term sustainability action plan to reduce plastic waste and move toward zero waste. The ban also applies to Van Nuys Airport (VNY), which is also owned and operated by Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA).

Businesses at the airports have already slowly phased out the use of plastic water bottles in a test period of two years. From now on, travellers are asked to bring reusable bottles and fill them at hydration stations.

The ban covers pre-packaged single-use plastic bottles of all sizes that contain non-carbonated and unflavored purified water, spring water, mineral water, artesian water, well water, tap water, and electrolyte-enhanced water. According to LAWA, phasing out single-use plastic water bottles “is an important step to reducing our environmental footprint and protecting the health and livelihood of all Angelenos.”

Businesses at the airports are required to substitute single-use plastic bottles with containers developed from recyclable aluminum, glass, or other sustainable alternatives. Vending machine providers and airport events are also required to switch out the bottles. The ban does not affect bottled water served onboard aircraft.