No More Tiny Shampoo Bottles: New York Law Forces Hotels To Go Green

See the Big Change Coming to Your Hotel Stay

Photo byLisha RiabininaonUnsplash

To curb plastic waste and promote environmental sustainability, New York State announced laws banning single-use toiletry bottles of shampoo, conditioner, body wash in addition to moisturizer in hotels with 50 or more rooms beginning January 1, 2025. In 2026, hotels with 50 or fewer rooms will follow suit.

Originally slated for earlier implementation, the regulations were delayed to accommodate hotel owners still recovering from the effects of COVID-19. The ban affects bottles of 12 ounces or less and includes other, motels, and hotels lodging.

Governor Kathy Hochul signed the bill in the state's environmental protection efforts to curb single-use plastic use. The move is in step with larger efforts to reduce plastic packaging, although a related bill addressing packaging reduction and recycling infrastructure failed to pass in the last legislative session.

Despite some travelers concerns about the transition, including preference for traditional single-use bottles over wall-mounted dispensers, the ban aims to curb the environmental impact of single-use plastics in the hospitality industry.

Former Sen. Todd Kaminsky noted the wastefulness of single-use plastics - an estimated 27 million bottles a year in new York City hotels alone - that would be eliminated by the New rules.

Mark Dorr, president of the New York state Hospitality and Tourism Association, defended the ban, saying about 75% of the State's hotels already use refillable bottles citing environmental and cost benefits.

The updated regulations are a step in New York's sustainability initiatives to reduce plastic waste and encourage green practices in the hospitality industry.