Metal Water Bottles Banned In Howell Schools

HOWELL, NJ — Howell Township elementary and middle school students can no longer bring refillable metal water bottles to school, school officials said.

Parents of Howell Township Public Schools students were notified in a letter sent on Wednesday and posted on the school district's website.

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The letter also notified parents and guardians that the district is restricting the use of cell phones and other electronic communication and recording devices during the school day or extracurricular school activities.

"Beginning with the 2026–2027 school year, metal/stainless
steel and glass beverage containers will not be permitted in school buildings or on school buses," the letter signed by Superintendent Joseph Isola and school board president Jennifer Okerson said.

"Metal and glass bottles, tumblers, and cups are rigid, heavy objects that can cause significant injury if thrown, swung, or used during a student altercation," the district said. "Incidents involving these types of containers have resulted in safety concerns and injuries, prompting the district to take this additional precaution to protect our students and staff."

The restriction applies to all metal/stainless steel and glass beverage containers only, the district said, urging families to keep it in mind when buying refillable bottles.

Students who bring a prohibited container to school will be required to turn it in to the school office where it can be picked up by a parent or guardian, the district said.

Parents and guardians have responded swiftly, creating a Change.org petition to urge the district to reverse the decision.

"The move to only allow plastic may seem trivial, but it is deeply concerning for multiple reasons," wrote Christine Bastartdi, who created the petition. She raised concerns about BPA exposure from some plastic bottles, which has been linked to numerous health issues, including hormonal disruptions and developmental problems in children.

"By limiting our students to plastic water bottles, we could inadvertently expose them to these risks daily," she wrote. Bastardi also raised environmental concerns, noting the reusability of metal and glass bottles.

"We understand that school policies are often made with the best intentions, possibly stemming from concerns over safety or convenience," she wrote. "However, there are safer alternatives to unchecked plastic usage. Schools can implement safety checks to ensure all bottles are suitable for school use by verifying that metal and glass bottles adhere to specific standards. Moreover, offering educational programs about the importance of sustainable practices can help nurture responsible habits in students."

More than 850 people had signed the petition as of Thursday night.

"As a taxpayer of Howell Township and long-term resident, this ban is absolutely ridiculous," wrote Nicole, who signed the petition. "I have gotten rid of all plastic in our home and made drinking water safe for my children by using all stainless steel. This isn't right to make our children drink from plastic water bottles. I really hope this changes. We shouldn't have to endure this all because of one student."

"I fully support the school taking steps to address safety concerns, but I do not believe all students should be punished for the actions of a small number of students," wrote Stacey. "Many families have already spent significant amounts of money on reusable stainless steel water bottles that students rely on throughout the school day. Requiring families to replace them creates an unnecessary financial burden, especially when there may be more targeted ways to address misuse. I hope the district will reconsider the blanket ban and instead explore reasonable alternatives that address the safety issue without taking away a practical item from all students."

"Why should I send my child with plastic bottles that now won't stay cold throughout the day and have to buy plastic waste!" Stephanie wrote.

The cellphone ban has been in the works for more than a year, in response to statewide efforts to curtail the use of cellphones in schools to address in-class distractions and bullying issues among other problems.