Plastic Water Bottle Ban

In December 2023, the Town Council passed an ordinance phasing out the use of single-use plastic water bottles within the Town of Mammoth Lakes. The goal of this ordinance is to reduce litter and cut down on waste.  The ordinance specifically applies to plastic water bottles 500ml or less in size. These are the smaller water bottles that can typically be bought in cases. The Town of Mammoth Lakes is proud to lead the way, and be one of the first towns in California to ban the sale of small single-use plastic water bottles. Residents and visitors are encouraged to use reusable water bottles and fill up from the tap or one of the many filling stations around the Town: https://findtap.com/search/stations 

The plastic water bottle ban will go into effect in two phases. The first phase goes into effect on January 1, 2025 and impacts Town operations and special events. The Town of Mammoth Lakes and any special event that requires a permit will not be allowed to sell or distribute plastic water bottles (with a volume of 500 ml or less). This prohibition also applies to vendors at special events. Many special events are already using innovative solutions like water bars or cup-free aid stations to cut down on plastic waste.

The second phase goes into effect on January 1, 2026 and impacts all other distribution or sale of plastic water bottles within the Town. No one will be allowed to sell or distribute any single-use plastic water bottle (with a volume of 500 ml or less) within the Town of Mammoth Lakes. When this goes into effect, supermarkets will likely start to sell more alternative products such as canned or boxed water. Single-use plastic water bottles will still be permitted in the event of an emergency.