TOWN OF MAMMOTH LAKES WATER BOTTLE BAN
At Mammoth Lakes Recreation, taking care of the places we love is a big part of who we are. In December 2023, the Town of Mammoth Lakes passed an ordinance to phase out small single-use plastic water bottles, helping reduce litter and cut down on plastic waste in our mountain town.
The ordinance focuses on single-use plastic water bottles 500 ml (about 17 oz) or smaller—the kind most often sold in cases. By taking this step, Mammoth Lakes is leading the way and is one of the first towns in California to ban the sale of these small plastic bottles. Instead, residents and visitors are encouraged to grab a reusable bottle and fill up from the tap or one of the many water-filling stations around town.
The plastic water bottle ban rolled out in two phases:
The first phase went into effect in January 2025 and applies to Town operations and permitted special events. The Town of Mammoth Lakes—and any event that requires a Town permit—will no longer be allowed to sell or hand out single-use plastic water bottles 500 ml or less. This includes vendors at those events. Many events are already ahead of the curve, using refill stations, water bars, and cup-free aid stations to keep plastic out of the waste stream.
The second phase just went into effect this January and expands the ban to all other distribution of small plastic water bottles in town. That means retail stores, restaurants, lodging properties, vending machines, and any other businesses or organizations will no longer be able to sell or distribute single-use plastic water bottles 500 ml or less. Any remaining non-compliant bottles will need to be phased out by this date.
A few important things to know: water in plastic containers larger than 500 ml will still be allowed, as will water packaged in alternative materials like aluminum or glass. Single-use plastic water bottles can also still be used during emergencies. That said, the easiest and most impactful choice is to refill a reusable bottle whenever you can.
Our drinking water comes straight from here in Mammoth Lakes, and this effort is all about celebrating that resource while keeping our trails, streets, and waterways cleaner. Every refill helps reduce plastic waste and protect the watershed we all depend on.
At MLR, we’re excited to support this shift and invite everyone—locals and visitors alike—to help make reusable water bottles part of everyday life in Mammoth Lakes.
About Mammoth Lakes Recreation
Formed in 2014, Mammoth Lakes Recreation’s mission is to deliver cutting edge sustainable recreation, mobility, and arts & culture opportunities and infrastructure for the benefit of the community and natural environment of Mammoth Lakes. For more information, go to www.mammothlakesrecreation.org.