New York State Implements Ban on Small Plastic Bottles in Hotels

New York State has passed a new law aimed at reducing plastic waste. Starting January 1, 2025, hotels with 50 or more rooms will no longer be allowed to provide small plastic bottles of shampoo and conditioner. Hotels that fail to comply will face fines: $250 for the first violation and $500 for subsequent offenses. The fines will be directed into the state’s Environmental Protection Fund, supporting efforts to combat plastic pollution.

This law is part of a larger national movement to reduce single-use plastics, with states like California, Washington, and Illinois also targeting the hotel industry. While small plastic bottles might seem insignificant on their own, they contribute to a growing waste problem. Each year, millions of these tiny bottles end up in landfills, exacerbating the plastic pollution crisis.

Steven Englebright, a former state assemblyman and current Suffolk County legislator, hailed the new law as a significant milestone for New York, saying, “When we do something important, it has the potential to be looked at as a model for our sister states.” Many environmental groups agree, noting that reducing plastic use in hotels can make a major impact in the fight against pollution.

Hotel chains are already taking proactive steps. Marriott, for instance, plans to replace small plastic bottles with larger, refillable options in their rooms. This initiative aims to prevent 500 million small shampoo and conditioner bottles from ending up in landfills each year.

In line with this growing movement, we are proud to offer an eco-friendly alternative to help hotels reduce plastic waste even further. Our biodegradable bottle packaging solution, made from sugarcane bagasse, provides a safe, durable, and sustainable option for hotels looking to meet the new state regulations.

Made from the leftover material after sugarcane is processed, our sugarcane bagasse bottles are fully biodegradable, breaking down naturally in the environment without causing harm. This renewable resource offers a perfect solution for hotels that want to contribute to reducing plastic pollution. These bottles not only help reduce waste but also eliminate the need for plastic alternatives.

We understand the importance of sustainability, and our sugarcane bagasse bottles are designed to support businesses in making a positive environmental impact. Durable enough for daily use, these bottles break down quickly once disposed of—unlike plastic bottles, which can take centuries to decompose. By adopting our eco-friendly solution, hotels can maintain a stylish, clean atmosphere while supporting a greener planet.

This is just one of many ways hotels can contribute to solving the global plastic waste crisis. It’s exciting to see New York take a leading role, and we hope other states and businesses will follow suit. Together, we can make a significant difference—one small bottle at a time.