California officially bans single-use amenities in hotels
By 2023, California hotels will have to pay a fine of up to $2,000 for distributing single-use amenities to hotel guests.
Governor Gavin Newsom signed the law into effect Wednesday, Oct. 9, which will be implemented in 2023 for hotels with more than 50 rooms, and by 2024 for boutique hotels with less than 50 rooms.
Assembly Bill 1162, which requires that hotels, motels, resorts, bed & breakfasts, and vacation rentals replace small single-use bottles of less than 12 ounces with bulk dispensers that could be used by multiple people, passed the Natural Resources committee back in April of this year. The bill was modeled on a 2018 city ordinance implemented by Santa Cruz.
The bill's author, Assemblymember Ash Kalra, said, "The amount of plastic produced is increasing exponentially, and we must consider all options to reduce this pollution from entering our waste streams. While it may not appear to be a problem on an individual level, small plastic bottles that are less than 12-ounces represent a sizable amount of waste collectively that the state must address."
Many large hotel chains are already putting programs in place to reduce waste and be more eco-friendly. Marriott has announced that it plans to install bulk dispensers in 450 of its properties. The company estimates that it could save around 113,000 pounds of plastic worldwide every year.
The state of New York is also considering a similar ban on single-use hotel amenities.
For the latest travel news, deals and points and miles tips please subscribe to The Points Guy daily email newsletter.
TPG featured card
at Capital One's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 5X miles | Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel |
| 2X miles | Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day |
Pros
- Stellar welcome offer of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, a $250 Capital One Travel credit to use in your first cardholder year upon account opening.
- You'll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which means you won't have to worry about memorizing bonus categories
- Rewards are versatile and can be redeemed for a statement credit or transferred to Capital One’s transfer partners
Cons
- Highest bonus-earning categories only on travel booked via Capital One Travel
- LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
- Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Top rated mobile app