Introduction
New York hotels will have to wait until 2025 to comply with new regulations banning single-use toiletry bottles. Originally set to begin in 2024, this delay gives hotels more time to adjust to the changes. Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming ban and its implications.
Background on the Ban
Initial Announcement and Delay
In 2021, Governor Kathy Hochul signed a bill that aimed to ban small bottles of toiletries like shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and moisturizer in hotels with 50 or more rooms. This regulation was initially scheduled to take effect in 2023 and 2024. However, industry lobbyists requested a delay to allow hotel owners, still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, to use their existing stock of plastic bottles. The new enforcement date is January 1, 2025.
Scope of the Ban
The ban covers toiletry bottles of 12 ounces or less and applies to all hotels, motels, and other lodging facilities in New York. This initiative is part of a larger effort to reduce single-use plastic in the state.
Environmental Legislation
The Purpose Behind the Ban
The ban on single-use toiletry bottles is part of a broader environmental protection initiative in New York. The goal is to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainable practices. This includes efforts to double bottle deposits to 10 cents and other measures to cut down on plastic packaging.
Related Legislative Efforts
In addition to the toiletry bottle ban, New York lawmakers debated the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act this year. This act would require companies with more than $1 million in net income to reduce packaging, improve recycling infrastructure, support municipal recycling programs financially, and reduce toxins in packaging. While the bill passed the Senate, it was not brought up for a vote in the Assembly.
Industry and Public Response
California’s Similar Ban
New York is following in California’s footsteps, where a similar ban on single-use plastic bottles in hotels took effect in 2023 for larger hotels and in 2024 for smaller properties.
Traveler Concerns
Many travelers, especially frequent business travelers, have expressed dissatisfaction with the shift to wall-mounted dispensers for toiletries. Concerns about hygiene and the perceived decline in the quality of the travel experience are common. However, the move towards refillable bottles is seen as a necessary step to reduce plastic waste.
Benefits for Hotels
Environmental and Economic Advantages
Former Senator Todd Kaminsky, who introduced the bill, highlighted the environmental benefits of the ban. Eliminating single-use toiletry bottles in New York City hotels alone is expected to reduce waste by 27 million bottles. Additionally, hoteliers have found that using refillable bottles is more cost-effective than continuously restocking miniature ones.
Current Adoption Rates
About 75% of hotels in New York are already using refillable bottles, making the transition to comply with the new regulations relatively seamless for most establishments.
Conclusion
The delay in implementing New York’s single-use toiletry bottle ban until 2025 provides hotels with additional time to adjust to the new regulations. This initiative, part of a broader effort to reduce single-use plastic, aims to promote environmental sustainability while also offering cost benefits to the hospitality industry. As New York follows California’s lead, the shift towards refillable toiletry bottles marks a significant step in reducing plastic waste and protecting the environment.
For more updates on environmental regulations and hotel industry news, stay tuned.
In line with these efforts, Mudmasky is proud to announce that we are now offering refillable toiletries for hotels. Our commitment to sustainability and eco-friendliness aligns with the global push to reduce plastic waste in the hospitality industry. Email: info@mudmasky.com / Subject: Hotels
