ILLINOIS — Beginning Tuesday, a new law in Illinois is reshaping how hotel guests receive personal care products. Under Senate Bill 2960, hotels with 50 rooms or more are now prohibited from placing single-use plastic bottles—such as small shampoos, conditioners, and lotions—in guest rooms.
The change is part of the state’s effort to reduce plastic waste and environmental impact, joining the ranks of states like New York, California, and Washington, which have already enacted similar bans.
Which Hotels Are Affected First?
The Small Plastic Bottle Act, signed into law by Governor J.B. Pritzker in August 2025, applies first to larger hotels. Establishments with fewer than 50 rooms have until January 1, 2026, to comply.
Hotels found in violation will face:
-
A written warning for a first offense
-
Fines of up to $1,500 for second and subsequent violations
Enforcement will be handled by state’s attorneys or municipal attorneys under the law.
Can Guests Still Get Small Bottles?
Yes — but not directly in the room. While hotels must remove small plastic bottles from guest rooms, the law allows guests to request them at no cost from a designated area, such as the front desk.
That means if you’re loyal to your mini shampoo bottles, you can still ask for one — but you’ll need to walk down and request it personally.
The full legislative text of SB2960 is available here.
Why the Change?
The bill aims to cut back on plastic waste from the hospitality industry, which distributes millions of small containers annually. Many hotels have already adopted refillable wall-mounted dispensers as a more sustainable solution.
As noted by Illinois Policy, the law is aligned with broader national trends and the growing push for eco-conscious operations.
What Guests Should Expect Now
If you’re planning a stay at an Illinois hotel:
-
Bring your own toiletries if you don’t want to rely on dispensers
-
Expect to see wall-mounted refillable containers in showers
-
Don’t worry — you can still get a travel-sized product at the desk if you ask
As Illinois continues to adopt sustainability-driven laws, travelers will likely see more changes aimed at reducing environmental impact in everyday experiences like hotel stays.
Have you noticed changes in hotel amenities during your travels? Share your experience with us at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com and let us know if you prefer the old mini bottles or welcome the eco-friendly switch.
