Senate passes bill to end use of small, single-use plastic bottles in Illinois hotels

The Illinois Senate took a significant step towards reducing plastic waste by passing Senate Bill 2960 on Wednesday, March 15, 2023. This legislation, also known as The Small Single-Use Plastic Bottle Act, was sponsored by State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview). The bill aims to address the environmental issue of small, single-use plastic bottles in Illinois hotels.

Under this new law, hotels with a minimum of 50 rooms will be required to discontinue providing small, single-use plastic bottles of personal care products such as shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and lotion in their guest rooms and public areas. The ban on these plastic bottles is expected to take effect on January 1, 2025.

This move is part of a larger effort to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainability within the hospitality industry. According to a study by the American Hotel & Lodging Association, the average hotel guest uses approximately three to five plastic bottles during their stay. With an estimated 11 million guests visiting Illinois annually, this amounts to a significant amount of plastic waste.

Senator Fine expressed her support for the bill, stating that "eliminating small, single-use plastic bottles is a common-sense step we can take to reduce waste and protect our environment." She also emphasized that many hotels are already implementing alternative solutions such as refillable containers or bulk dispensers, which not only reduce plastic waste but also save costs for hotels and provide a more eco-friendly guest experience.

Hotels that fail to comply with this new regulation may face fines and penalties. However, the bill includes provisions for a grace period and offers resources and guidance for hotels to help them transition away from single-use plastic bottles.

This legislation is a positive step towards reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainability within the hospitality industry in Illinois. It is expected that other states and cities will follow suit as the issue of plastic waste continues to gain attention and importance.

In conclusion, the Illinois Senate's passage of Senate Bill 2960 marks a significant milestone in the state's efforts to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainability within the hospitality industry. The ban on small, single-use plastic bottles in hotels with at least 50 rooms is expected to take effect on January 1, 2025. This legislation is part of a larger trend towards reducing plastic waste and promoting eco-friendly practices within various industries and communities.