New York State Bans Travel Size Toiletries in Hotels | SmarterTravel

One of the simple pleasures of traveling is checking into a hotel room and being greeted by miniature bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and body wash from luxurious brands that you’d never splurge on for yourself. 

Unfortunately, these tiny plastic bottles are wasteful and have a significant environmental impact. New York State has just passed a bill banning small “hospitality care” bottles beginning on January 1, 2025. Hotels in the state will only be allowed to provide toiletries in bottles that are 12 ounces or larger. Any properties found in violation will be charged $250 for the first offense and $500 for each additional transgression. 

The law will initially only apply to hotels with more than 50 rooms, and smaller hotels will have to comply with the new rules beginning January 1, 2026.

Currently, California is the only other state with a similar ban in place. Washington state has passed similar legislation set to take effect in 2027.

Most hotels will likely transition to offering refillable, full-size toiletry bottles. However, these larger containers may raise concerns about hygiene and potential tampering by other guests.

We recommend investing in a set of travel-sized bottles that you can refill with your own toiletries in between trips. Although it takes away the fun of trying new products on the road, it means you’re guaranteed to have products you know work for your hair and skin and prevents you from being caught off-guard when the in-room products are not refilled. These refillable bottles from Matador are our favorite, as they are a flat design that saves space in your toiletries kit.