Ban Of Single Use Plastic Toiletry Bottles at Hotels

Following several news reports and films on the material’s effects on the natural world, single use plastic has become a hazardous issue for many companies throughout the world, including hotel industry.

A bill to ban personal care products in the form of miniature plastic toiletry bottles — which contain fewer than 12 ounces of liquid product was one of the eight bills designed to protect the environment that Kathy Hochul signed into law on Tuesday, December 21, 2021. The law will come into force on January 1, 2024.

The bill proposed in New York follows one passed in California, which prohibits personal care products in the form of miniature plastic toiletry bottles containing less than 12 ounces of liquid product from being used in lodging accommodations beginning January 1, 2023.

Hart Hotels President and CEO David Hart said he understands the issues:

“We get it, that we are not being kind to the environment by having millions of these little bottles sitting in landfills, that don’t break down, etc.,” he said. “And it’s not efficient use of the product. Because, again, someone opens the seal, uses a little bit of shampoo and then that’s it. As operators, we’re not reusing those things. The housekeepers, as you mentioned, throw them in the trash.”

For violations of this legislation, a monetary penalty will be charged on hotel and resort companies in the state of New York, with the exception of hotels and resorts with less than 50 rooms, which will be allowed a one-year wait period before the limits take effect.

For all body and hair care products made by single use plastic, hotel and resort establishments in the state of New York will be required to switch to refillable dispensers and containers that are environmentally friendly.

All small plastic toiletry bottles for personal care products, such as shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, and mouthwash. They shall be made from a single recyclable materials that have previously been recycled. Perhaps the substance might be derived from a plant, making it even more environmentally friendly.