Starting July 1, 2025, hotels across New Jersey will be required to stop providing single-use toiletries like shampoo bottles and soap bars. Here’s what the new law means for travelers and the hospitality industry.
What Does the New Law Mandate?
The new legislation prohibits hotels with 50 or more rooms from offering single-use toiletry bottles and other disposable personal care items. Instead, hotels must use bulk dispensers or other environmentally friendly alternatives.
Why Is This Change Happening?
➤ To reduce plastic waste and environmental pollution
➤ To encourage sustainable practices in the hospitality sector
➤ To align with growing global efforts to minimize single-use plastics
Impact on Hotels and Guests
- Hotels will need to install refillable dispensers for items such as shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and soap
- Guests may notice a change in how toiletries are provided during their stay
- Some guests appreciate the environmental benefits, while others may need time to adjust
What Hotels Must Do to Comply
- Remove all single-use toiletry bottles from guest rooms by July 1
- Provide clearly labeled bulk dispensers that meet hygiene standards
- Train staff on the new policies and educate guests as needed
What Travelers Should Expect
- Bulk dispensers instead of individual bottles in hotel bathrooms
- Continued access to quality toiletries, just in a more sustainable format
- Possible initial adjustments as hotels transition to new systems
Final Takeaway
New Jersey’s ban on single-use hotel toiletries is a step toward reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainability. Travelers and hotels alike will play a role in this environmentally friendly shift starting July 1, 2025.
This piece was written by Mary Berg. Light AI tools assisted with grammar checks and layout polish. All editorial decisions and wording remain fully human and original.
