The Ban on Mini Shampoo Bottles in US Hotels

As states push to reduce plastic waste, many are now banning single-use plastic shampoo bottles in hotels. Here's why it's happening and what it means for the hospitality industry.

Why are mini shampoo bottles being banned?

In the U.S., 550 million shampoo bottles are thrown away each year, contributing significantly to plastic waste. This waste doesn’t just fill landfills—it also contributes to the 33 billion pounds of plastic that enter the oceans annually. Worse, less than half of Americans recycle bathroom products, and only 9% of plastic ever created gets recycled. By banning mini shampoo bottles, states aim to reduce plastic waste, protect marine life, and encourage sustainable alternatives.

Which states are doing it?

Several states have already taken steps to ban small plastic bottles of personal care products in hotels with 50 or more rooms:

• California: The ban was implemented in 2023 for both hotels and vacation rentals.
• New York: The ban will take effect in 2025.
• Illinois: The ban will take effect in 2025.
• Washington: The ban will take effect in 2027.

Hotels can be charged $500 per day if they don’t comply with these new regulations. These bans reflect a larger effort to reduce plastic pollution in the hospitality industry.

What options do hotels have?

In response to these bans, many hotel chains, including Marriott and IHG, have committed to transitioning to dispensers for their shampoo, conditioner, and body wash products. While dispensers may seem like a solution, they come with their own limitations. For one, dispensers are not always a sustainable option—often made from plastic themselves, they still contribute to waste. Moreover, the quality of products in dispensers can be subpar compared to bottled options, and they require installation, which can be costly and logistically challenging for some properties.

To fully align with sustainability goals and guest expectations, hotels can switch to EarthSuds Shower Tablets. These compact tablets dissolve in water to create high-quality shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, completely eliminating the need for single-use plastic bottles. EarthSuds come in compostable, eco-friendly packaging, providing a greener alternative without sacrificing product quality. They are also easy to store, require no installation, and reduce plastic waste significantly, offering a solution that’s both sustainable and guest-friendly. By switching to EarthSuds, hotels can meet new regulations, enhance the guest experience, and contribute to a cleaner, greener planet.