San Francisco Airport (SFO) has implemented a ban on the
sale of plastic water bottles.
The airport believes the prohibition -- which requires
retailers, restaurants, airline lounges and vending machines to sell or provide
water in recyclable aluminum, glass or compostable bottles -- is the first of
its kind at any airport in the world. The policy applies to both mineral and
still water. It does not include other beverages that are commonly sold in
plastic bottles, such a sodas, juices and teas.
"Prohibiting the sale of bottled water in plastic
packaging was implemented at this time because the market for acceptable
alternatives to plastic bottles has matured sufficiently to provide retailers
with a variety of choices for sale," the airport said.
The airport encourages customers to carry their own reusable
water bottle, which they can fill at approximately 100 hydration stations and
drinking fountains located throughout its terminals.
The ban is a step toward SFO's goal, established in 2016, of
having zero waste going to a landfill by 2021. The airport said approximately
10,000 bottles of water are sold there every day. Worldwide, less than 25% of
plastic bottles get recycled, SFO added.