Blue state’s crackdown on toiletries comes with a $100 civil violation fine

If a new environmental protection bill passes in Maine, you may see the results on your next vacation to the area.

As many areas seek to eliminate single-use plastics in an attempt to protect the environment, new legislation being considered in Maine would force hotels and other “lodging establishments” to switch to more sustainable toiletries. Traditionally, all provided toiletries were in single-use bottles that could be easily disposed of or taken home by the guest. Under the new rules, lodging establishments with more than 50 rooms will no longer be allowed to provide bottles under 6oz. This will force such establishments as “hotels, motels, resorts, bed and breakfasts, inns, time-share properties, short-term rentals and vacation rentals” to utilize pump-top bottles for things like shampoo, conditioner and lotion.

Businesses that refuse to comply would be assessed a $100 civil violation fine. While the initial ban would take place on January 1, 2030, lodging accommodations with under 50 rooms will be expected to adopt the same rules in 2032, should the legislation pass.

Frequent travelers may have already noticed the shift toward sustainability from larger hotel chains.

A Marriott Hotels spokesperson had previously told Fox Business that the brand has “long been focused on our residential amenities program, switching from small toiletry bottles to larger, pump-topped bottles as part of our commitment to reduce plastic waste.”

“As of 2023, Hilton properties were required to transition to full-size shampoo, conditioner and soap amenities, eliminating single-use miniature bottles and reducing disposed bars of soap,” a Hilton spokesperson told the network.

Maine’s bill follows in the footsteps of other blue states such as California and New York, who have already established rules surrounding single-use plastics. Washington’s law is expected to take effect in 2027.