(Los Angeles, CA) In support of Los Angeles World Airports’ bold plan to move toward zero waste in its facilities, today the Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners (BOAC) unanimously approved phasing out single-use plastic water bottles at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Van Nuys general aviation (VNY) airport.
"L.A.'s Green New Deal is about taking bold action now to fight climate change, and phasing out plastic bottles at LAX is an important step we can take toward that goal," said Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti. "I applaud LAWA for making this change, and look forward to continuing the push to make our airport a model for sustainable economic growth."
“The Board of Airport Commissioners is proud to take action to phase out single use water bottles from LAX and VNY, simultaneously addressing climate change and taking a major step forward on LAWA’s waste-reduction goals,” said Sean Burton, President, Board of Airport Commissioners. “Coupled with our installation of dozens of water bottle refilling stations throughout LAX, as well as allowing for water sales in cartons or recycled aluminum cans, our passengers can remain hydrated even as we create more sustainable airports.”
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, 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, including purified water, mineral water, carbonated or sparkling water, and electrolyte-enhanced water products, is subject to the policy. Bottled water served onboard aircraft is exempt.
"Eliminating single-use plastic water bottles is the right thing to do for our airports, our communities and our environment," said Justin Erbacci, Chief Executive Officer, LAWA. "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."
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.
The policy is effective immediately for LAWA and all new lease, concessions and operating agreements. Businesses with current lease or concession agreements will be required to comply with the policy by June 30, 2023. The two-year phase-out period allows airport businesses to use up plastic water bottles they may already have in their inventories and modify purchasing contracts before switching to compliant products.
Waste reduction and water management are just two important elements of LAWA's Sustainability Action Plan, which includes plans for LAX and Van Nuys Airport to achieve net zero in the following areas by the year 2045: no potable water consumed for non-potable uses, zero carbon emissions from LAWA operations and zero waste. LAWA is also committed to using 100% renewable electricity by 2045. Learn more about these sustainability initiatives at www.lawa.org/lawa-sustainability.
