Howell Township Public Schools in New Jersey will ban metal and glass water bottles starting in the 2026-2027 school year, citing fears that the rigid containers could be used as weapons and cause injury. The district's Board of Education President Jennifer Okerson and Superintendent Joseph Isola announced the policy in a letter to parents, stating that such items are "rigid, heavy objects that can cause significant injury if thrown, swung, or used during a student altercation."
The district's decision has drawn criticism from some parents, who have raised concerns about the potential health risks associated with plastic alternatives and the environmental impact of single-use containers. Christine Bastardi, a parent, launched a Change.org petition, "Reinstate metal and glass water bottles in Howell Township schools," which has gathered over 1,000 signatures.
In her petition, Bastardi highlighted studies suggesting that some plastic bottles can leach harmful chemicals like BPA, which has been linked to hormonal disruptions and developmental issues in children. She also emphasized the environmental benefits of reusable metal and glass bottles, contrasting them with the pollution caused by plastic waste that often ends up in landfills or oceans.
The district's letter indicated that students found with banned containers will be required to surrender them to the school office, and parents may need to pick them up. Bastardi proposed that schools could implement safety checks for reusable bottles or offer educational programs on responsible use as alternatives to a complete ban.
The policy affects all 12 schools in the Howell Township Public Schools district, which serves students from Pre-K to 8th grade.