If you enjoy those complimentary small bottles of lotion and shampoo provided by hotels, here’s some news that might affect your future travels.
Starting in 2025, all hotels in New York state with more than 50 rooms will no longer be allowed to provide these small toiletries to guests. Hotels with 50 or fewer rooms have a bit more time, until 2026, to comply with this new state law aimed at reducing waste.
Governor Kathy Hochul signed this bill into law back in 2021. Initially, the regulations were set to take effect in 2023 and 2024, but lobbying efforts resulted in a delay. This allowed hotel owners to use up their existing stock of single-use products, many of which were accumulated during the peak of the pandemic.
The ban is part of a larger initiative to cut down on single-use plastics. Specifically, hotels will need to eliminate bottles that contain 12 ounces or less of personal care products like conditioner, shampoo, body wash, and moisturizer.
Some well-known hotel chains, including Hilton and Marriott, have already transitioned to communal dispensers. However, those that haven’t made the switch need to do so by January 1, 2025. Hotels with fewer than 50 rooms have until January 1, 2026, to meet the new requirements.
New York isn’t alone in this effort. California implemented a similar ban on single-use hospitality personal care products, which took effect in 2023. Washington state has also passed legislation, but their regulations will not take effect until 2027 and 2028. Illinois may be next, as a bill banning these single-use plastic bottles has recently been sent to the state’s governor for approval.
Some guests might not be thrilled about the switch from small bottles to communal dispensers, but the New York State Hospitality and Tourism Association supports the move. According to Mark Dorr, the association’s president, the change will have minimal impact on most hotels since around 75% are already using reusable bottles.
What do you think about hotels banning single-use plastic hospitality products? We’d love to hear your thoughts.
