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California lawmakers vote to ban disposable hotel shampoo bottles

The ban would go into effect in 2023 and apply to all hotels with 50 rooms or more

The California state Assembly has approved a bill that would prohibit hotels in the state from using small, disposable plastic bottles for shampoo, conditioner, and other toiletries, according to reports in the Los Angeles Times.

Like the state’s ban on single-use plastic bags and straws, the measure is intended to reduce the amount of plastic garbage that ends up in landfills and the oceans, supporters said.

“Those tiny plastic shampoo bottles that are common in hotel rooms represent a sizable amount of waste that can be easily eliminated in more cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternatives,” said bill sponsor Assemblyman Ash Kalra (D-San Jose).

The measure passed on a 42-23 vote. The ban would go into effect in 2023 and apply to all hotels with 50 rooms or more. Hotels would still be allowed to provide the mini bottles upon request by guests.

The bill was supported by the state’s hotel and lodging association but opposed by some Republican lawmakers and the Personal Care Products Council, representing the manufacturers of the disposable toiletry products.