Mini toiletries in lodgings law
A law that focuses on single-use plastics in lodging establishments will reduce unnecessary packaging in Washington. Plastic containers under 6 ounces for personal care and beauty products like shampoo, conditioner, soap, body gel, lotion, and hand sanitizer are restricted from use at lodging establishments in Washington.
This law has two effective dates depending on the size of the lodging establishment:
- Jan. 1, 2027 – for any lodging establishment with 50 or more units
- Jan. 1, 2028 – for any lodging establishment with less than 50 units
About the law
This law intends to reduce single-use plastic packaging pollution and requires that customers take only what they need or want:
Reusable alternative containers and dispensers are available and already widely used at lodging establishments. This law helps businesses preventing unnecessary waste and pollution associated with single-use plastic.
This law allows lodging establishments to make the restricted products available upon request to customers if they choose.
The problem with single-use plastic toiletries
Mini personal care product containers have been widely provided in the hospitality industry since the 1960s, but these small plastic containers are environmentally problematic.
Unused products and single-use plastic have a significant environmental footprint both in creation and in the disposal of these materials:
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Bottles and containers of products like shampoo, conditioner, or lotion are often only partially used and for a brief amount of time before getting tossed in the garbage.
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Unlike large plastic bottles, mini plastic bottles and tubes are not accepted in recycling programs because they're too small for recycling machinery to sort.
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Plastic containers are resistant to breaking down in landfills or when they’re littered in the environment. This causes them to last many years and can result in them releasing micro and nano plastics into our ecosystems which harm water quality, animals, and human health.
Refillable dispenser pump bottles help reduce plastic waste, prevent throwing away countless half-filled mini containers, and overall save businesses money. Some chain hotels have already made the switch, including InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), Marriott, and Hyatt Hotels. California, New York, and Illinois also have similar laws.
Alternatives to single-use plastic packaged personal care products
Updating guestrooms with refillable containers is the most environmentally preferred alternative and could save costs for properties.
There are several options for alternatives that lodging establishments can choose instead of providing single-use mini toiletries:
We encourage businesses to update guest rooms with reuseable and durable containers that can be refilled with personal care products. This is the most environmentally preferred alternative and could save costs for properties by reducing waste volume and preventing usable products from being thrown away.
Update property’s website and outreach to educate guests on new policies and offer benefits or rewards for guests who bring their own supplies.
Frequently asked questions
Contact information
Heather Church
Waste reduction and recycling specialist
toiletrieslaw@ecy.wa.gov
509-688-5358