The law's focus is to tackle the growing issue of plastic pollution, which has become a major environmental concern. As of January 1, 2026, all hotels in Illinois, regardless of their size, will be required to comply with the ban. This move makes Illinois the first state in the Great Lakes region to take such action, as reported by the Illinois Environmental Council. State Sen. Laura Fine, who spearheaded the bill, explained that the purpose of the legislation is to reduce plastic pollution, which is a major environmental issue. “By 2050, plastic could outweigh all fish in the oceans,” Fine stated, highlighting the urgency of addressing the environmental impact of plastic waste. “Personal care products available in plastic bottles are common in hotels and pose immediate risk to our environment once they are thrown away. This bill puts our state on the path to being part of a solution by reducing plastic pollution.”
The bill has garnered support from various environmental groups, which have long advocated for stronger policies to reduce single-use plastics. The Illinois Environmental Council has praised the state for taking the lead in the Great Lakes region by banning the use of plastic bottles in hotels. Many large hotel chains have already begun making changes to reduce their plastic waste. For example, the world’s largest hotel chain phased out small plastic bottles in 2019 and 2020. Similarly, a hotel chain owned by the Pritzker family has also eliminated single-use plastic bottles in its facilities.
The law applies to hotels with 50 or more rooms starting in 2025, but smaller hotels will not face this requirement until January 1, 2026. By this time, all hotels in Illinois will need to adopt alternative methods for offering personal care products, such as refillable dispensers or eco-friendly packaging options. In addition to environmental benefits, this law aligns with a broader trend within the hospitality industry towards sustainability. Hotels across the world are taking steps to reduce waste, energy consumption, and their environmental footprint. The new Illinois law is another step in this direction, signaling a growing commitment to sustainability within the state and encouraging other regions to follow suit.
The elimination of single-use plastic bottles in hotels is part of a larger movement to reduce plastic waste, which has become one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. As more states and countries implement similar laws, it is expected that the trend will gain momentum, ultimately leading to a decrease in plastic pollution. The Illinois law sets a strong precedent, one that can serve as a model for other areas to take similar steps to protect the environment. Overall, the new legislation is expected to have a significant impact on Illinois hotels, prompting them to adopt more sustainable practices and reduce their reliance on plastic products. The changes are in line with the growing demand for eco-friendly options among consumers and are expected to contribute positively to the state’s long-term environmental goals.
