New York Issues Shampoo Legislation

In a bid to reduce plastic waste, New York State will soon mandate that hotels eliminate small bottles containing “hospitality care” products such as shampoo and lotions. This enforcement comes as a new bill has been passed in the New York Assembly aimed at minimizing environmental impact.

Starting January 1, 2025, hotels with more than 50 rooms will no longer be able to provide toiletry bottles under 12 ounces. This change is outlined on the Department of Environmental Conservation’s website and applies to “hospitality personal care products,” defined as products provided by a hotel for cleansing purposes.

According to the legislation, hotels that violate this restriction will first receive a warning and have 30 days to correct the violation. If they fail to comply, they will face a civil penalty of $250. Continued non-compliance after the next 30 days will result in a $500 fine.

Many large hotels are already adapting to this new regulation. For instance, a spokesperson from Marriott Hotels told FOX Business, “We have long been focused on our residential amenities program, switching from small toiletry bottles to larger, pump-topped bottles as part of our commitment to reduce plastic waste.”

Marriott achieved “95% compliance for the transition to residential bath amenities for certain brands across managed and franchised hotels globally” by the end of 2023, with more properties set to transition through 2024.

Similarly, a Hilton spokesperson mentioned that as of 2023, Hilton properties were required to switch to full-size shampoo, conditioner, and soap amenities, thus eliminating single-use miniature bottles and reducing the disposal of soap bars.

While the rollout begins with larger hotels, by 2026, all hotels in New York will be required to comply with the new regulations. Initially set to take effect on January 1, 2023, the enforcement was delayed after hotel industry lobbyists requested more time to use up existing stock of small bottles, as reported by Fox Television Stations.

This legislation mirrors a similar law in California, where tiny toiletry bottles were banned from hotels last year.

The media has reached out to the New York State Assembly Committee on Environmental Conservation for additional comments on the new mandate to no avail.

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