Sustainability Expert Shares 5 Ways to Eliminate Single-Use Hotel Plastics

Hotels send more than 200 million small toiletries in plastic packaging to landfill every year.

In the modern era of sustainability, where we know the impact of single-use plastics, finding better alternatives should be a focus for the hospitality industry. To help hotels make greener switches, sustainability expert Mark Hall from BusinessWaste.co.uk, has shared 5 strategies to reduce single-use plastic toiletries in hotels that aligns with both regulatory requirements and consumer expectations.

1. Bring in Bulk Dispensers

One of the most effective solutions is to transition from single-use plastic bottles to bulk dispensers for shampoo, shower gel, and soap in bathrooms. Bulk dispensers are often mounted on bathroom walls and are easily refilled with high-quality products. This approach cuts down on the number of plastic containers used, making it a far greener option. It has no impact on the customer experience, and should save hotels money in the long-term.

2. Switch to Solid Toiletries

Another great way to remove single-use plastics is with solid toiletries instead of liquid ones. Solid shampoo, conditioner, and soap bars often have minimal or no packaging, which significantly cuts down on plastic waste. These products can be presented in reusable or recyclable containers, or even directly on soap dishes in hotel bathrooms. Solid toiletries are very eco-friendly as well as cost-effective - they tend to last longer than their liquid counterparts.

3. Offer Toiletries on Request

Rather than automatically placing toiletries in every room, hotels can reduce single-use plastic waste by offering them on request. A simple notice or sign in the bathroom would be enough to inform guests that toiletries are available upon request at the front desk or through room service. Hotels can cut down on unnecessary single-use plastics significantly by only providing toiletries when required as some guests may bring their own products, so they might not need any at all.

4. Partner with a Recycling Program for Plastic Waste

For hotels that still use plastic toiletries, partnering with specialised recycling companies can help manage plastic waste more effectively. For example, companies like Business Waste offers solutions for hard-to-recycle items, including plastic toiletry bottles and any other type of waste. Working with trusted businesses that ensure all waste is recycled is a good way to deal with single-use plastic waste if it truly cannot be avoided.

5. Source Eco-Friendly Alternatives

When providing single-use items is unavoidable, research what other sustainable products exist. Hotels should look for suppliers that provide biodegradable or compostable packaging for toiletries made from materials like paper, cornstarch, or bamboo. Products themselves can also be made more sustainable by using natural, organic, or cruelty-free ingredients. Opting for these alternatives means hotels can reduce their environmental footprint and appeal to eco-conscious guests.

Mark Hall adds: “Moving towards more sustainable hotel practices is a necessity more so than a way to make a hotel chain look ‘green’. Single-use plastics are extremely harmful for the environment and all industries are turning away from them as much as possible, so it’s high time the hotel industry takes action too!”

“There are already places like California where in 2023 hotels were banned from providing small plastic bottles of personal care products. It’s only a matter of time until more countries adopt similar laws, so it’s easier to make the switch as early as possible.”

More stats on hotel waste can be found here: https://www.businesswaste.co.uk/sectors/hotel-waste-management/hotel-waste-statistics/