The Reducing Waste in National Parks Act directs the National Park Service to establish a program aimed at reducing and eliminating disposable plastic products across all national park units. Within 180 days of enactment, the National Park Service Director must create this program, with regional directors responsible for implementing it in their respective parks. The legislation specifically targets the elimination of bottled water sales and other disposable plastic items like plastic bags and food containers to the greatest extent feasible, while requiring parks to install water refill stations and educate visitors about bringing their own water bottles. The law requires regional directors to evaluate the program every two years, measuring factors such as visitor satisfaction, public safety, and actual plastic waste reduction, then submit their findings to the Director and Secretary of the Interior. The legislation carefully balances environmental goals with practical considerations, including infrastructure costs, impacts on park concessions businesses, and visitor safety concerns around adequate water access.
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