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A 4965

Prohibits hotels from providing guests with personal care products in single-use plastic containers under certain circumstances.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Shama Haider

The bill prohibits hotels from supplying guest personal care products in single-use plastic containers and requires switch to reusable, refillable, or non-plastic packaging options

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee
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Bill Summary · A 4965

Summary of New Jersey Assembly Bill A-4965 (Session 222)

Overview

  • Bill: A-4965
  • Session: 222
  • Jurisdiction: New Jersey
  • Title: Prohibits hotels from providing guests with personal care products in single-use plastic containers under certain circumstances
  • Sponsor: Assemblywoman Shama Haider (co-sponsor)

Purpose and Intent

The bill seeks to reduce plastic waste and its environmental impact by restricting the distribution of personal care products to hotel guests when those products are provided in single-use plastic containers. The underlying aim is to encourage more sustainable alternatives and to align hotel practices with broader pollution reduction goals.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Prohibition Scope:
    • Hotels would be prohibited from supplying personal care products (e.g., shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, etc.) to guests in single-use plastic containers under specified conditions.
  • Container Requirements:
    • The bill may require hotels to switch to reusable, refillable, or bulk dispensing systems or to provide products in non-plastic or otherwise sustainable packaging. (Exact packaging standards would be detailed in the text; the summary reflects the general direction of such provisions.)
  • Alternatives for Hotels:
    • Hotels could offer personal care products in alternatives to single-use plastics, such as:
    • Refillable dispensers mounted in bathrooms
    • Products in larger containers shared for multiple uses (while ensuring guest safety and sanitation)
    • Products in packaging made from materials other than plastic (e.g., glass, metal, or compostable materials)
  • Exemptions and Nuances:
    • There may be exemptions for certain guest needs, medical considerations, or temporary accommodations (e.g., certain room configurations, accessibility needs, or stays in which refillable systems are not feasible). The precise exemptions would be outlined in the bill text.
  • Enforcement and Compliance:
    • The bill would establish enforcement mechanisms, which could include penalties or citations for noncompliance, and a timeline for implementation. This often includes a phased approach or compliance deadlines.

Who Would be Affected

  • Primary Stakeholders:
    • Hotels and hospitality establishments operating in New Jersey
  • Secondary Stakeholders:
    • Guests staying at hotels
    • Suppliers of personal care products and packaging
    • Environmental groups and consumer advocates
  • Potential Economic/Operational Impacts:
    • Hotels may incur costs or operational changes to install refillable systems or switch to alternative packaging
    • Future procurement practices may shift toward bulk dispensers and sustainable packaging

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Legislative Process:
    • The bill has been introduced in the New Jersey General Assembly and, as with other bills, would need passage by both Assembly and Senate and enactment by the Governor.
  • Effective Date:
    • The text would specify an effective date or phased implementation timeline (e.g., compliance starting in a future year or after a set number of months post-enactment).
  • Rulemaking/Guidance:
    • If enacted, state departments (likely the Department of Community Affairs or similar agencies) may issue regulations or guidance to define acceptable dispensing systems, product standards, and sanitation requirements.

Potential Impact

  • Environmental Impact:
    • Expected reduction in single-use plastic waste from hotel guest amenities
    • Encouragement of reusable/refillable systems aligns with broader waste reduction and sustainable procurement efforts
  • Consumer Experience:
    • Guests may notice changes in bathroom amenities and packaging; operations must balance sustainability with sanitation and guest satisfaction
  • Industry Adaptation:
    • Hotels may need to adjust procurement, stocking, and maintenance practices; potential impact on supply chains and housekeeping routines

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to include the exact text of the bill, anticipated fiscal impact, or the proposed enforcement penalties once you provide the full bill language.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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