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USA: California Regulates Small Plastic Bottles Used in Lodging Establishments

NOVEMBER 2019 - HARDLINES

The California State has adopted a regulation¹ to prohibit the use of small plastic bottles containing personal care products in certain lodging establishments under the Public Resources Code. This aims to reduce plastic waste and protect human’s health.

Starting 1 January 2023, the lodging establishments with more than 50 rooms are prohibited to provide a small plastic bottle containing a personal care product to a person staying in a sleeping room accommodation, in any space within the sleeping room accommodation, or within a bathroom shared by the public or guests. While the regulation provides a longer transition period until 1 January 2024 for the lodging establishments up to 50 rooms.

The regulation defines a small plastic bottle as a non-reusable plastic bottle or container with 6-ounce capacity or less, and to contain personal care product such as shampoo, hair conditioner, and bath soap.

Lodging establishment means an establishment that contains one or more sleeping room accommodations that are rented or otherwise provided to the public, including, but not limited to, a hotel, motel, resort, bed and breakfast inn, or vacation rental. However, it does not include a hospital, nursing home, residential retirement community, prison, jail, homeless shelter, boarding school, worker housing, long-term rental, or hosted rental.

Authorised local agencies will inspect accommodations to implement the enforcement. A lodging establishment with violation of this regulation may receive a written warning or civil penalty.

[1] California Assembly Bill No. 1162