Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) has adopted a new policy prohibiting the sale of single-use plastic water bottles at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Van Nuys Airport (VNY) as part of a plan to reduce plastic waste at LAWA facilities and move toward zero waste.
Under the policy, LAWA and businesses with lease or concession agreements at LAX and VNY are required to substitute single-use plastic water bottles with containers made from sustainable alternatives, including recyclable aluminum or glass. The policy applies to restaurants, concessions, lounges, vending machine providers and airport events.
Pre-packaged single-use plastic bottles of all sizes containing non-carbonated and unflavored purified water, spring water, mineral water, artesian water, well water, tap water, and electrolyte-enhanced water are also subject to the policy, though bottled water served onboard aircraft is exempt.
In anticipation of the ban, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power worked in partnership with LAWA to install additional hydration stations throughout LAX’s terminals.
“We encourage our guests to help us reach our goal of eliminating plastic waste at the airport by bringing a reusable water bottle and filling it up at one of our many hydration stations,” said Justin Erbacci, LAWA CEO. “Eliminating single-use plastic water bottles is essential to improving our environment and enhancing sustainability across our airports.”
LAWA is the second airport group in the state to ban the sale of single-use plastic water bottles. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) eliminated sale of the bottles in 2019.
