California is considering a statewide ban on all mini-toiletries available at hotels in an effort to reduce waste. The bill was introduced in February and approved by the State Assembly but it’s up to Governor Gavin Newsom to decide whether to pass it as a new law.
The clock is ticking for mini hotel toiletries. Image by Getty
If the bill comes into effect in 2023 it will prohibit hotels and other “lodging establishments” in California from offering toiletries in plastic bottles sized 340ml or under in guest rooms or public spaces. If hotels are caught breaking the law they could face a fine of up to $2000 (£1526). Hotels could offer bulk products as a replacement, similar to the type of wall-mounted public dispensers you generally see in gyms or spas which cost less and are better for the environment. It would mean that several guests could use the product without the need to replenish it after a single use.
California is considering prohibiting hotels from using miniature toiletries. Image: Jeffrey Greenberg/UIG via Getty Images
“The amount of plastic produced is increasing exponentially, and we must consider all options to reduce this pollution from entering our waste streams,” said assembly member Ask Kalra. “While it may not appear to be a problem on an individual level, small plastic bottles that are less than 12 ounces represent a sizeable amount of waste collectively that the state must address.”
Guests always love miniature toiletries in hotel bathrooms. Image: Glowimages
Hotels are already becoming smarter about plastic waste. InterContinental Hotels Group and Marriot Hotels have already swapped single-use toiletries for wall-mounted dispensers across some of their guest-rooms worldwide. Some like the Hilton and Wyndham Hotel Group send leftover soap that’s been sanitised and repackaged to a charity called Clean the World for recycling. In 2017, the Orlando-based non-profit produced seven million soaps and 400,000 hygiene kits from products that were left behind in hotel rooms.
READ MORE: Going Green… Here’s how the travel industry is phasing out plastic
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