Arlington’s Plastic Water Bottle Ban Goes Into Effect Nov. 1

ARLINGTON, MA — The Town of Arlington’s single-use plastic water bottle ban goes into effect on November 1.

The new bylaw, which was passed by Town Meeting on May 1 with a vote of 199-42, will prohibit the sale of plastic bottles of non-carbonated, non-flavored water in sizes of 1 liter or less. The ban will apply to any business in Arlington that sells bottled water, as well as to event planners, houses of worship, and town departments such as schools.

"The purpose of this bylaw is to protect the environment and public health through reducing solid waste and unnecessary strains on recycling resources, minimizing litter, reducing the Town’s carbon footprint and climate change impacts, preserving local waterways, and protecting the health of Arlington residents and visitors by reducing the sale and disposal of single use plastic water bottles," the article states.

Twenty-five towns in Massachusetts have passed similar bottled water restrictions in an effort to reduce litter and plastic pollution, starting with Concord in 2012.

According to Zero Waste Arlington, more than 1.5 billion bottles of water and other non-carbonated beverages are sold in Massachusetts annually, and only about 20 percent get recycled. Plastic containers end up in landfills or incinerators, which pollute the air and water, and can destroy habitats, harm wildlife and contaminate the food chain.

“This ban reflects a growing concern from residents and consumers about the adverse effects plastic pollution has on greenhouse gas emissions, litter, public health, and the environment,” said Charlotte Milan, Town Recycling Coordinator Charlotte Milan said in a statement earlier this year.

Zero Waste Arlington is encouraging residents to use reusable water bottles that can be filled at home, in restaurants, and at water filling stations found in most municipal buildings.