Maine Lawmakers Target Hotel Toiletries in Bold Plastic Ban Push

In a bold move to curb environmental waste, Maine lawmakers are pushing a new bill that could spell the end for those tiny hotel shampoo bottles we’ve all hoarded at some point. The legislation, known as LD 1928, aims to ban single-use plastic containers for personal care products in lodging establishments across the Pine Tree State.

Starting January 1, 2030, hotels, motels, and other accommodations with over 50 rooms will be prohibited from offering toiletry bottles smaller than 6 ounces. Smaller establishments with fewer than 50 rooms will follow suit in 2032. Non-compliance comes with a slap on the wrist—a $100 fine for each civil violation.

The bill’s intent is clear: reduce the mountains of plastic waste piling up from these miniature conveniences. However, it remains murky whether hotels can still sell these items to guests, leaving a gray area for travelers desperate for a pocket-sized souvenir.

Interestingly, some major hotel chains aren’t waiting for the law to kick in. Industry giants like Marriott and Hilton have already shifted to larger, pump-topped bottles, cutting down on single-use plastics as part of broader sustainability goals. It’s a small step, but one that signals a larger trend in the hospitality world.

Maine isn’t blazing this trail alone. States like New York, California, and Illinois have already enacted similar bans, with Washington set to join the party in 2027. It’s a growing movement, reflecting a broader push to rethink how everyday conveniences impact our planet.

While the environmental benefits are hard to argue with, one can’t help but wonder if this is the end of an era. Those little bottles were more than just shampoo—they were a quirky reminder of trips taken and memories made. Still, if swapping them out means a cleaner future, it might just be a trade worth making.