AB 1162 (Kalra)—Single Use Hotel Toiletries

Overview: Prohibits a lodging establishment from providing a small plastic bottle containing shampoo, hair conditioner, or bath soap to guests, as specified, and makes the lodging establishment civilly liable upon violation.

CAW Position: Sponsor

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Status: Signed by Governor

In Context: According to the Wall Street Journal, "billions of half-full bottles get thrown away every year. Think of it as roughly 1,000 bottles for every hotel room, multiplied by more than 5 million hotel rooms in the [United States]” The American Hotel and Lodging Association states there are currently 515,285 hotel rooms in California.  This figure does not include smaller establishments, so the total is likely substantially higher.  Hotels have begun to take action to reduce their impact.  Last year, Marriott announced plans to install bulk dispensers in 450 properties, including high-end facilities like the Ritz-Carlton spas.  Marriott estimates those 450 properties will reduce the number of plastic bottles distributed by 10.3 million, or 113,000 pounds of plastic.   

This bill is very similar to an ordinance in Santa Cruz that will take effect December 31, 2020. The ordinance will prohibit hotels and other lodging establishments from providing small plastic bottles of personal care products in its effort to address the growing problem of plastic debris and to protect public health and the environment.

Bill Summary: Among other things, AB 1583:

Prohibits a lodging establishment from providing a small plastic bottle containing shampoo, hair conditioner, or bath soap to guests, as specified, and makes the lodging establishment civilly liable upon violation.

Final Amendments:

  • Increase the size of containers covered by the bill from three ounces to six ounces.

  • Require consideration of health and safety when encouraging the use of bulk containers. 

  • Remove the requirement that specified local agencies take all reasonable efforts to notify affected lodging establishments of the bill’s requirements.

Current language, analysis, and votes

Supporters:

  • 5 Gyres Institute

  • California Hotel & Lodging Association

  • Center for Oceanic Awareness, Research, and Education

  • Heal the Bay Nature

  • Resources Defense Council

  • Plastic Pollution Coalition

  • RethinkWaste

  • Save Our Shores

  • Seventh Generation Advisors

  • StopWaste

  • Surfrider Foundation

  • The Story of Stuff Project

  • UPSTREAM

  • Wishtoyo Chumash Foundation

  • Zero Waste USA

CAW Staff Contact: Robert Nunez, (916)443-5422