Maine Moves to Ban Single-Use Hotel Toiletry Bottles to Curb Plastic Waste

Maine is poised to become the latest state to ban small single-use plastic toiletry bottles in hotels and other lodging establishments, as lawmakers advance a bill aimed at reducing plastic waste.

Bill LD 1928 would prohibit hotels, motels, resorts, inns, and other short-term lodging providers from offering small plastic containers of personal care products such as shampoo, conditioner, and lotion to guests. The legislation defines these containers as any plastic bottle under 6 ounces.

“This bill prohibits lodging establishments from providing personal health or beauty products in small single-use plastic containers to persons staying in a lodging establishment or within bathrooms shared by the public and guests of the lodging establishment,” the bill summary reads.

If enacted, the law would take effect in phases: beginning January 1, 2030, it would apply to properties with more than 50 rooms; by 2032, smaller lodging establishments would also be required to comply.

Violations of the law would result in a civil penalty of $100 per offense.

It remains unclear whether the bill would allow hotels to sell small toiletry bottles to guests, or if the restriction applies only to complimentary items placed in rooms or shared bathrooms.

Some major hotel chains are already ahead of the proposed ban. Hilton and Marriott, two of the largest hotel brands in the world, have transitioned to more sustainable alternatives over the past few years.

If passed, Maine would join a growing number of states cracking down on single-use plastic in the hospitality sector. New York, California, and Illinois have already implemented similar bans. Washington state’s ban is scheduled to go into effect in 2027.

Environmental advocates have praised the moves as part of a broader strategy to limit plastic pollution and encourage reusable alternatives.