CHICAGO — Starting July 1, 2025, hotels across the city are no longer allowed to offer single-use plastic toiletry bottles, including the travel-size shampoos, conditioners, and lotions many guests have long come to expect.
The change is part of a statewide environmental effort to reduce plastic waste — and Chicago officials have confirmed they’ll begin enforcing it this summer. The new law requires hotels to provide toiletries in bulk dispensers or other non-plastic alternatives, especially for rooms with more than 50 beds.
What the New Law Says
Under the law signed in 2024, and effective July 2025, hotels with 50 or more rooms must eliminate the use of:
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Miniature plastic bottles of shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and other personal care products
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Any single-use plastic toiletry containers provided free in guest rooms
Instead, hotels are now required to provide:
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Refillable dispensers mounted in bathrooms
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Compostable packaging or bulk alternatives if available
The law is modeled after similar legislation in states like California and New York, where bans on mini toiletries have already gone into effect.
Why It’s Being Enforced in Chicago
According to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA), this move is expected to prevent millions of plastic bottles from entering landfills and waterways annually. In dense urban areas like Chicago — where the tourism industry is active year-round — the waste generated from hotel stays is significant.
A city spokesperson told CBS News Chicago that local health and environmental inspectors will begin spot-checking properties for compliance as of mid-July.
Who This Law Applies To
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Hotels and motels with 50 rooms or more
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Tourist accommodations in Chicago, Springfield, Rockford, and all major cities
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Short-term rentals like Airbnb and vacation homes are currently exempt, but may be included in future expansions
Small inns and boutique lodgings with fewer than 50 rooms are not required to comply but are encouraged to follow suit voluntarily.
What Travelers Should Expect in 2025
If you’re staying at a Chicago hotel this year, you can expect:
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Wall-mounted pump dispensers in showers and sinks
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Fewer individually packaged toiletries
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Some higher-end hotels offering reusable glass containers or eco-friendly travel kits
While some guests have praised the eco-friendly approach, others say the change is inconvenient or raises hygiene concerns. Hotel operators, however, say the transition is smoother than expected — and may save money long term.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Hotels that violate the new rule may face:
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Written warnings for first-time offenses
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Civil fines if non-compliance continues beyond a grace period
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Public health citations tied to waste management codes
The law includes a short transition window in July, after which enforcement becomes stricter.
Do You Support the Ban on Mini Toiletry Bottles?
Has this change improved your hotel experience or made it less convenient? Should smaller hotels be included too? Share your thoughts in the comments at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com and join the local conversation on sustainability and travel.
