The Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners (BOAC) has unanimously approved phasing out single-use plastic water bottles at Los Angeles International (LAX) and Van Nuys General Aviation (VNY) airports.
Under the news policy, Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), operator of LAX and VNY, 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, glass or certified compostable material.
In addition to restaurants, concessions and lounges, the policy also applies to vending machine providers and airport events. Pre-packaged water of all sizes and types is subject to the policy. Bottled water served onboard aircraft is exempt.
To help bolster this new policy, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power is working in partnership with LAWA to install 60 new hydration stations throughout LAX’s terminals to provide passengers with convenient access to exceptional drinking water.
“Eliminating single-use plastic water bottles is the right thing to do for our airports, our communities and our environment,” said Justin Erbacci, LAWA CEO. “We thank L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti for leading the city’s vision for a better, more sustainable future and our Board of Airport Commissioners for taking action to achieve zero waste at our airports by 2045.”
