New York State Hotels to Eliminate Small Plastic Personal Care Bottles by 2025New York State Hotels to Eliminate Small Plastic Personal Care Bottles by 2025 In 2025, hotel rooms in New York State will undergo a significant transformation as a new law takes effect aimed at reducing waste and promoting sustainability. The law, part of the “Waste Reduction and Recycling for Businesses” initiative, requires hotels with 50 or more rooms to eliminate the use of small plastic bottles for personal care products in guest rooms. This includes items like shampoo, conditioner, and lotion that are typically provided in travel-sized containers. The ban will apply specifically to bottles with a capacity of less than 12 ounces and that are not intended to be reusable by guests. This means that hotels will need to find alternative ways to provide personal care amenities to their patrons. The law is intended to address the growing issue of plastic waste in the hospitality industry. These small plastic bottles often end up in landfills and contribute to environmental pollution. By eliminating their use, hotels can significantly reduce their environmental footprint. The ban also marks the end of a long-standing hotel tradition. Many guests have been known to collect these bottles as souvenirs, but this practice will no longer be possible in New York State. For hotels with excess personal care products, they will be prohibited from leaving them in guest rooms by 2025. New York State recommends that businesses donate these products to local organizations or recycle them. Alternatives to Small Plastic Bottles Hotels have several options for providing personal care amenities to guests without using small plastic bottles. These include: * Bulk dispensers: Hotels can install bulk dispensers for shampoo, conditioner, and other amenities in guest bathrooms. This reduces waste and allows guests to use as much or as little as they need. * Reusable bottles: Hotels can provide guests with reusable bottles that they can fill at dispensers or bring from home. * Bar soap: Bar soap can be provided instead of liquid soap in dispensers, reducing the need for plastic packaging. * Concentrated products: Hotels can use concentrated personal care products that require less packaging and can be diluted with water. Impact on Guests The new law may have some impact on guests’ experiences in New York State hotels. Guests who are accustomed to collecting small plastic bottles as souvenirs will need to adjust their habits. However, the change is expected to be generally well-received by guests who are increasingly concerned about environmental sustainability. By eliminating small plastic bottles, hotels can demonstrate their commitment to reducing waste and protecting the environment.
In 2025, a new law will go into effect in New York State that will mean hotel rooms will never look the same again.
The last decade has already seen some big changes in hotels and motels across the country. The practice of only washing towels that are left on the bathroom floor, for example, was a step the businesses took in an effort to reduce their water usage and carbon footprint (and save money on energy bills). The new law takes a similar approach.
View of the Hampton Inn in Newburgh, NY from Route 84
Hotel rooms in New York state will look very different by 2025 after a new law goes into effect (Google)
New Law Regarding Hotels in New York State
The new law is part of a broader New York State plan called “Waste Reduction and Recycling for Businesses.” While there are laws on everything from battery recycling to food donations, the legislation that affects hotels centers around something smaller: personal care bottles.
Personal care products in a hotel bathroom
Small plastic personal care bottles to be removed from hotel rooms in New York State by 2025 (View of the Hampton Inn in Newburgh, NY from Route 84 with an overlay of a sad man/Billion Photos via Canva)
Ban on small plastic personal care bottles in New York hotel rooms
From January 1, 2025, Hotels will no longer be allowed to use small plastic personal care bottles in guest rooms, which typically contain lotion, shampoo or conditionerThe legislation applies to hotels with 50 or more rooms, and a similar law targeting smaller hotels will come into effect in 2026.
The law, entitled Restrictions on small plastic bottles for personal care products in the hospitality industrydefines small bottles as “a plastic container with a capacity of less than twelve ounces that is not intended to be reusable by the end user.” Because there is no defined grace period, it can also leave many companies with excess product.
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Hotels with excess personal care products will be banned from leaving them in guest rooms by 2025, with New York State recommending that businesses donate the products to local organizations or try to recycle them. The law also marks the end of a storied hotel tradition.
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Nearly everyone in New York has a family member who leaves a hotel room with more stuff than they came with, including extra shampoo bottles that “accidentally” ended up in their luggage from cleaning carts. These “souvenir hunters” will have to travel to other states if they want to continue their collection.
With the Hudson Valley’s continued rise in popularity, it can be difficult for out-of-state visitors to adjust to the new policy. Fortunately, there are other lodging options beyond traditional hotels. Check out some of the most fascinating local Airbnbs below.
Visit this breathtaking Airbnb in Newburgh, NY
Live above the clouds in one of the most stunning Airbnbs for rent in the Hudson Valley. Believe it or not, it’s located in Newburgh, NY.
Gallery Credit: Steven/Airbnb
Try “Nautical Glamping” at this New York “Boat” Airbnb
Looking for an Airbnb that’s off the beaten path? Check out “nautical glamping” with the “boat house.”
Gallery Credit: Airbnb
